But what of the unmarried who long to change that status? What counsel can be offered? To those who are looking for a partner, it may sound highly spiritual to turn them to Genesis chapter 24 where Abraham's servant was sent to find a bride for Isaac. He undertook the mission very prayerfully, asking for God's guidance, and it issued in a very successful conclusion.
So prayer is important, but it can be accompanied by some practical steps.
I mentioned earlier that we should keep in circulation with friends and acquaintances as this enables us to keep in natural interaction with others. We must also take care with appearance and dress‑wise presentation. Wide reading and observation of life will also give topics for conversation.
And what about Christian marriage bureaux? Some are instinctively repelled by such a suggestion, and this may be because they think such places are only used by misfits, odd‑bods or even cheats. Or they may that such a decision smacks of a last desperate chance to find romance.
No organisation can guarantee to be free from misuse, not even Christian ones, but my slight knowledge of these bureaux has commanded my respect. After all, there is no compulsion, and all details can be thoroughly checked, and any ultimate decision is by mutual consent. Either part can withdraw if they are not happy with the procedures.
I know of a very happy outcome for two people who used these services. At the time I counselled them they were both suffering from the aftermath of personal tragedies. They were both Christians active in the Lord's service, but their respective partners were both taken in tragic fatalities. Through a bureau they were introduced to each other and the result has been a very happy union which has lasted many years and still continues.