Biblical Answer

When love is put to the test, what remains?

When love is put to the test, it is not the superficial feelings or fleeting emotions that remain, but the substance of love itself. According to 1 Corinthians 13:2, "And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing." This verse highlights that even the most impressive gifts and knowledge are useless without love. In other words, when love is put to the test, the things that are not rooted in love will fade away, and what will remain is the genuine expression of love.

This is also seen in the way that love is described as the "most excellent way" in 1 Corinthians 12:31. Love is not just a feeling or an emotion, but a choice that we make to prioritize the well-being and happiness of others. When we put love to the test, we are not just testing our feelings, but our commitment to this choice. As Jesus said, "Love one another as I have loved you" (John 15:12). This command is not just a suggestion, but a requirement for followers of Christ. When love is put to the test, what remains is our willingness to love one another, even when it's difficult or uncomfortable.

In 1 Corinthians 13, the Apostle Paul explains that love is the greatest gift of all, and that it never fails. Whether we have knowledge, prophecy, or faith, love is the one thing that endures. This is because love is not just a feeling, but a choice that we make every day. When we choose to love, we are choosing to put the needs of others before our own, to forgive, to be kind, and to be patient. When love is put to the test, what remains is our commitment to these values, and our willingness to live them out in our relationships with others. As we strive to love one another as Christ has loved us, we can be confident that love will endure, even when everything else fades away.