So much of the contemporary conversation about Christian singleness makes it an either/or matter. Either someone is single by choice or single by circumstance. Either they've intentionally set out to pursue singleness as a lifelong "calling" or their singleness is considered accidental.  

 

But is this a biblical framework? Does the Bible present singleness as being either a result of direct choice or indirect circumstance? Is there a significant theological difference between those who have actively pursued singleness and those who have not? And, perhaps most importantly of all, how should we seek to answer these questions knowing that we have a sovereign God who, 'in all things works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose?' (Rom 8:28)