The Feast of Tabernacles is often spoken of in terms of the family rejoicing together and portraying God's Kingdom of peace and happiness. But while the members of God's Church are all part of a great spiritual family, many do not have physical families.
There are thousands of single people in the Church of God in this modern era. This group is made up of young unmarried adults, widows or widowers, divorced individuals and older unmarrieds. They are an important part of the Church.
The Feast is intended as a time of rejoicing, learning and happiness for them as single people, too!
A special opportunity
Although you as a single person may not realize it, you can enjoy a special blessing because you are single. Notice: "He that is unmarried careth for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please the Lord" (I Cor. 7:32).
In other words, you as a single person don't have to look after a mate or children. You can better "attend upon the Lord without distraction" (verse 35). How? You actually serve Christ by helping the brethren! As a single person your time ought to be more flexible and more available for service to God and His people. This marvelous opportunity can make the Feast tremendously rewarding for you as a single — if you take advantage of it.
Prepare for the Feast
Since the Feast of Tabernacles is the high point of the year, it makes sense to prepare in advance to assure its success. Prepare spiritually. Pray about the Feast and study its meaning in the Bible. Ask God to guide you in your planning.
Emphasize in your mind the importance of God's principles of giving, sharing and outgoing concern. Turn your mind away from selfish motives. Engage in active service to help others make this Feast an occasion they will long remember. Reemphasize the "looking for a mate" approach. God really does know your needs — and He has promised to supply them. That includes finding you a wife or husband. Have faith in God's power to bring the right person into your life.
Give of yourself to others, not thinking selfishly of what you can get, and God will bless you. "Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over" (Luke 6:38).
How you can serve
With thousands of people observing God's Festival worldwide, there will be many opportunities at every Feast site to serve the brethren. Here are a few suggestions to consider:
• Remember the widow and orphan. God commands that those who have an abundance should be generous and share their blessings with the less fortunate (Deut. 14:29). Take widows or others who may be on a meager budget out to dinner. Buy flowers for somebody who may be lonely or neglected. Buy gifts for children of needy families (check with parents first for what is appropriate). Treat a needy family to an outing — perhaps a park or amusement center. Do something special to brighten the Feast for those who are handicapped. Make new friends by inviting others over for fellowship and snacks.
• Provide transportation. If you have a car and the room, check to see if anyone needs transportation to the Feast. Once there, you could offer rides to and from services.
• Date widely and emphasize fellowship. Visit new people of many age groups. Involving yourself in family activities at the Feast will broaden your outlook on life. Always maintain proper conduct during a date.
• Be service minded and enthusiastic. Volunteer for whatever responsibility your local church is assigned. Look for spontaneous opportunities to serve — carrying luggage, opening doors and visiting before services.
• Be responsive to organized singles' activities. Whether it's a dance, party or special dinner, join the group and have fun. Don't be a drag and hold out!
If you apply these points they will pay generous dividends. These principles will help you learn to fear God and rejoice as a single person in God's Church, and give you spiritual rewards that will last for eternity.