21 If you were a slave when God chose you, don’t let that bother you. But if you can be free, then do it.
22 If you were a slave when the Lord chose you, you are now free in the Lord. You belong to the Lord. In the same way, if you were free when you were chosen, you are now Christ’s slave.
23 God paid a high price for you, so don’t be slaves to anyone else.
24 Brothers and sisters, in your new life with God, each one of you should continue the way you were when God chose you.
25 Now I write about people who are not married. I have no command from the Lord about this, but I give my opinion. And I can be trusted, because the Lord has given me mercy.
26 This is a time of trouble. So I think it is good for you to stay the way you are.
27 If you have a wife, don’t try to get free from her. If you are not married, don’t try to find a wife.