5 Sacrifices You Must Make in Singleness if You Want a Godly Marriage

The choices you make in singleness directly shape the kind of marriage you will have in the future. While many see singleness as a period of waiting for “the one,” Scripture calls us to see it as a time of growth, surrender, and sacrifice. If you want a marriage that honors God, here are five sacrifices you must be willing to make while single.

1. The Sacrifice of Choosing Loneliness Over Compromising

2 Corinthians 6:14, “Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?”

One of the greatest temptations in singleness is settling for companionship with someone who does not share your faith or your commitment to God. The pressure of loneliness can whisper lies: “Something is better than nothing,” or “Maybe I can change them later.” But Scripture warns us about being unequally yoked—it always leads to pain, not peace.

The sacrifice here is choosing the temporary discomfort of loneliness over the long-term devastation of being bound to the wrong person. It takes courage to walk away from a relationship that doesn’t honor God, but doing so protects your future marriage.

Each time you choose singleness over settling, you’re building trust in God’s faithfulness and strengthening your future marriage before it even begins.

2. The Sacrifice of Choosing Righteousness Over Reputation

Galatians 1:10, “For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.”

When you hold firm to biblical convictions about dating, purity, and marriage, you will face criticism and ridicule. Friends, family, or society may mock you for being “old-fashioned” or “too strict.” The sacrifice you must make is caring less about what others think and more about what God thinks.

Jesus himself warned us that following him would put a target on our backs (John 15:18-19). Sacrificing the approval of others frees you to live boldly for Christ without compromise. Your convictions—whether about saving sex for marriage, refusing to cohabitate, or avoiding worldly dating practices—will look strange to the world but pleasing to God.

When you put reputation on the altar and embrace righteousness, you prepare yourself for a marriage that is not built on worldly standards but on God’s unchanging word.

3. The Sacrifice of Choosing Character Over Comfort

1 Timothy 4:7-8, “Train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.”

A godly marriage starts with you. Many singles dream of marrying someone strong in faith, emotionally mature, and spiritually disciplined, but they often overlook the need to develop those qualities themselves.

This requires sacrifice. It means giving up comfort to cultivate character. You may need to sacrifice time to grow in prayer and study of God’s word, energy to serve in your church community, and pride to work on emotional or relational weaknesses. Developing into a godly spouse doesn’t happen by accident; it requires intentional effort and self-denial.

4. The Sacrifice of Pleasure for a Bigger Perspective

Romans 8:6, “For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.”

We live in a culture addicted to instant gratification. Whether through relationships, entertainment, or physical pleasure, society tells us that happiness must be immediate. But a godly marriage requires long-term perspective, not short-term pleasure.

In singleness, this means sacrificing the mindset that prioritizes temporary enjoyment over eternal value. It could mean resisting sexual temptation, saying no to impulsive relationships, or choosing contentment in a season of waiting. By denying the “now” mindset, you develop the maturity to invest in a future that is lasting and life-giving.

5. The Sacrifice of Self for Service

Philippians 2:3-4, “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”

Marriages die because of selfishness and thrive on selflessness. If you want a godly marriage, you must learn to die to yourself—not just once but daily. Whether through serving your church, helping your family, or giving time to those in need, sacrificing for others trains your heart to love sacrificially.

Each time you sacrifice your desires to serve others, you strengthen the muscles of humility and love, preparing for a marriage that mirrors Christ’s selfless love for the church.

Remember, the sacrifices you make now are not losses—they are investments. And when God brings the right person into your life, you will see how every moment of faithfulness in singleness was preparing you for a covenant of joy and love in marriage.