Biblical Answer

When love becomes a choice, what does it reveal about our true nature?

The Bible teaches that love is a choice, not just a feeling. When we choose to act lovingly, even when it's difficult or uncomfortable, it reveals our true nature. According to the Bible, the best test of love is not how we feel, but how we act. When we choose to prioritize the well-being of others and God's will over our own desires, it shows that we are capable of selfless love. This type of love is not just a natural human response, but a deliberate decision to put others first. As the Bible says, "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." (1 Corinthians 13:4-7) This passage shows that love is not just a feeling, but a choice to act in a certain way, even when it's difficult.

When we choose to act lovingly, it reveals that we are capable of putting others' needs before our own. This is a fundamental aspect of Christian love, which is characterized by a servant's heart. As the Bible says, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others." (Philippians 2:3-4) This type of love requires us to be willing to serve and look out for the interests of others, even if it means putting ourselves last. When we choose to act in this way, it reveals that we are capable of selfless love, which is a fundamental aspect of our true nature.

When love becomes a choice, it also reveals our relationship with God. As the Bible says, "We love because he first loved us." (1 John 4:19) This passage shows that our ability to love others is rooted in our relationship with God. When we choose to act lovingly, it reveals that we are responding to God's love for us. This is a fundamental aspect of the Christian faith, which is based on the idea that God loves us and desires a personal relationship with us. When we choose to act lovingly, it reveals that we are capable of reciprocating God's love, which is a fundamental aspect of our true nature.