Biblical Answer

Love in the face of darkness and testing is a powerful catalyst for hope. When love is put to the test, it reveals the possibility of dawn, even in the darkest night. This is evident in 1 Corinthians 13:2, where it is written, "And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." Love raises questions that point beyond the current circumstances, never-ending and essential for our existence. It is the surest test of having life, as it has already been shown to be the test of being in the light (2:10).

The concept of love is closely tied to hope, as seen in 1 Corinthians 13:8, which states, "Love never fails." This is because love is a fundamental aspect of our relationship with God, as expressed in 1 John 4:8, "Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love." When love is present, it gives us the assurance that we are connected to God, and that He has reconciled Himself to us (Romans 5:8). This hope is further reinforced by the fact that love is a basis for our expectation of salvation from the eschatological wrath that will be poured out on the final day (1 Thessalonians 5:9).

In the face of darkness and testing, love serves as a beacon of hope, pointing us beyond our current circumstances to a brighter future. As Katherine Anne Porter writes, "Love must be learned, and learned again and again; there is no end to it." Love is not a natural response, but rather one that must be cultivated and nurtured. When we choose to love, even in the midst of darkness and testing, we demonstrate our faith in God's goodness and our trust in His sovereignty. This is a powerful testament to the transformative power of love, and a reminder that hope is always available to those who choose to love.