Navigating sexuality as a single Christian can be challenging. Whether you’re young, older, separated, divorced, widowed, or experiencing unique circumstances like long-distance relationships, it’s essential to approach this aspect of life with both biblical wisdom and psychological understanding.

Understanding Human Sexuality

Human sexuality is a significant part of our identity and affects how we see ourselves and relate to others and God. Neuroscience Informed Christian Counseling® (NICC) integrates biblical principles with modern psychological insights to help individuals understand and steward their sexuality responsibly.

Biblical Wisdom and Psychological Science

NICC emphasizes the integration of biblical truths with psychological science to foster emotional and spiritual well-being. By combining these approaches, singles can navigate their sexual energy in a way that aligns with their faith and promotes wholeness.

Categories of Singles and Their Unique Challenges

1. Young Adults and Older Singles: Understanding sexual identity and relationships at different life stages.
2. Separated and Divorced Individuals: Healing from past relationships and exploring future possibilities.
3. Widowed Individuals: Coping with loss and considering new connections.
4. Celibate Same-Sex Attracted and Gender Dysphoric Individuals: Managing faith and sexuality.
5. Long-Distance Relationships and Deployment: Maintaining intimacy despite physical separation.
6. Individuals with Disabilities: Addressing specific needs and societal barriers.

Social and Erotic Sexuality

Social and erotic sexuality are interconnected aspects of human experience:

• Social Sexuality: Involves how we express our gender identity in society, our relationships, and how cultural norms shape these interactions.
• Erotic Sexuality: Encompasses romantic and sexual attraction, desire, and behavior.

It’s natural to experience erotic feelings in various contexts, even those where sexual engagement isn’t appropriate. Recognizing these feelings as normal and managing them responsibly is crucial.

Righteous Flirting

Righteous flirting, a term coined by Christian therapist Doug Rosenau, refers to affirming and appreciating others in a godly manner. This approach is rooted in Paul’s advice to Timothy: “Treat younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity” (1 Timothy 5:1-2). Righteous flirting respects the intrinsic value and dignity of each person.

Embracing and Stewarding Erotic Feelings

Erotic feelings are part of God’s design and should be embraced and managed wisely. Here’s how to steward these feelings:

1. Acknowledgement: Recognize and accept erotic feelings as natural.
2. Stewardship: Manage these feelings with intention and care, ensuring that erotic behavior respects boundaries, consent, and dignity.
3. Empowerment: Understand your erotic feelings to make conscious choices about your actions.

Different Perspectives on Single Sexual Behavior

Christians have varying views on sexual ethics. Here are three perspectives to consider:

1. Traditional Lens: Reserves all erotic behavior for marriage.
2. Moderate Lens: Allows for some sexual behaviors short of intercourse, open to personal interpretation.
3. Permissive Lens: Permits consensual erotic behavior as long as it is non-exploitative and does not deceive or defraud others.

Navigating sexuality as a single Christian involves balancing biblical principles with psychological insights. By embracing and responsibly managing your sexual energy, you can align your actions with your faith, fostering both emotional and spiritual well-being.

Help For The Journey

Navigating sexuality as a single Christian can be complex, but you don’t have to do it alone. Embracing both biblical wisdom and psychological insights can lead to a healthier and more fulfilling life. If you find yourself struggling or in need of support, consider reaching out to MyCounselor.Online. Our professional Christian counselors are here to help you navigate these challenges with faith, compassion, and expertise. Your journey towards emotional and spiritual well-being is important, and we’re here to walk alongside you every step of the way.

REFERENCES

1. Navigating Sexuality as a Single: Christian Thoughts