Biblical Answer

When love is tested, what does it reveals about our true nature?

When love is tested, it reveals whether we truly possess it or not. In the context of Christianity, the existence of love in our lives is a demonstration of the new birth and a transformed heart. As 1 John 3:14 says, "We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love our brothers." This statement emphasizes that love is a fundamental aspect of our spiritual life and a sign of our salvation. When we love others, it shows that we have been transformed by God's love and that we are no longer controlled by our sinful nature.

Moreover, when love is tested, it reveals our priorities and values. In 1 John 3:16, it is written, "This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers." This passage highlights the selfless and sacrificial nature of love, which is a hallmark of the Christian life. When we are willing to lay down our lives for others, it demonstrates that we value their well-being and happiness above our own. In contrast, when we prioritize our own interests and desires above the needs of others, it reveals a self-centered and unloving nature.

Ultimately, when love is tested, it reveals whether we are living according to the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) or not. As 1 John 4:7-8 says, "Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God." This passage emphasizes that love is a divine attribute that comes from God and is a characteristic of those who have been born again. When we love others, it is a reflection of God's love in our lives, and it reveals our true nature as children of God. When we fail to love, it reveals a lack of spiritual life and a failure to live according to God's character. Therefore, when love is tested, it reveals whether we are living according to God's will and whether we are truly born again.