The story of man’s creation, blessing, and command to “be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth” is found in Genesis 1:26-28. In what ways does this apply to those of us who are childless or single?
Made in God’s image
Genesis 1:28’s instruction should be seen in light of the preceding passages, which discuss how humankind was made in God’s image: “… in the image of God He created them; male and female He created them.”
Because we are created in God’s image, humans are superior to all other species that exist on Earth. Furthermore, He created us with his own hands and gave us life itself. This demonstrates that, unlike animals, humans and God have a unique relationship. As a result, we also have a unique responsibility to represent God in our lives.
Being fruitful and increasing in number
Then God commanded them to “be fruitful and multiply.” This reveals God’s will and purpose for humanity.
What about those of us who are single, unable of becoming parents, or neither? Has God forgotten about us? Are we subjected to some sort of punishment? Should we use every effort to produce more and grow in numbers? It’s likely that, despite your non-Christian beliefs, you make every effort to find a mate and start a family because you believe that this is the standard.
Being single
There’s no need to feel under pressure or that [being childless or single] is abnormal or something you have to struggle to alter if you’re a Christian. Every child of God has a great plan for their life, which covers all areas of their lives, including employment, education, family, marriage, and single status.
If one had a limited perspective on life, being fruitful might only mean producing kids. However, it is actually possible to be happy and contented no matter where we are in life, and to be productive in every aspect of it. For instance, look at John 15:5-8. Because you cannot accomplish anything without Me, the one who abides in Me and I in Him is the one who bears abundant fruit. It is by your fruit-bearing that My Father is exalted, and you therefore demonstrate that you are My disciples.”
Spiritual children
It is conceivable to multiply in addition to being fruitful as a single. Genesis 1:28’s instruction to multiply aided in the growth of [God’s dominion] by producing a greater number of those special beings who bore God’s likeness.
However, childbearing no longer “automatically” expands God’s dominion because of humanity’s fall into sin. The people who wear God’s image have lost their humanity. Consequently, with the advent of Christ, the reproductive mandate given to Adam and Eve has taken on new significance: God’s kingdom grows not merely via physical multiplication but also through spiritual multiplication via the making of disciples (see also Romans 9:7-8 and Galatians 3:7-9).
An example: the apostle Paul
The friendship between Timothy and the apostle Paul, who was most likely unmarried, serves as an illustration of this. Despite the fact that they were not related by blood, Paul refers to Timothy as his “child” (2 Timothy 2:1–2) since he served as his spiritual guide. Since he was the one who originally shared the gospel with the church, Paul even views the entire body of believers as his offspring.
“I do not write these things to make you ashamed, but to admonish you as my beloved children,” the author states in 1 Corinthians 4:14–17. You do not have many fathers, even though you have innumerable leaders in Christ. Because of the gospel, I am now your father in Christ Jesus. Therefore, I implore you to emulate me. I sent Timothy, my cherished and obedient kid in the Lord, to remind you of my ways in Christ because of this.
The Great Commission of all believers
Thus, Paul demonstrates to us how we can bear and raise spiritual children via sharing the gospel and encouraging people to deepen their relationship with Christ, regardless of whether we have biological children. Jesus gave us this instruction in Matthew 28:19–20. “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you, and baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.”
Being content
There will always be people who wish they were single, married, or had never had children, as well as those who wish they had never had them. God wants all of us, His children, to be happy no matter what condition we find ourselves in. Similar to how Paul discovered, “I have learned to be content in whatever situation I am” (Philippians 4:11).
Being fruitful and single
Therefore, sure, both single and married people must obey this command. God wants us to be happy in life and for all we do to be fruitful. Only when we know God and are his offspring is this feasible. Because then we can be certain that He is in control of our lives, whatever of the circumstances, and I can be at peace in myself wherever I am. Whatever our circumstances—being childless, single, or having children of our own—God desires for us to multiply spiritually and bear fruit.
