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Your Question:
When love is put to the test, what is revealed?
Answer:
When love is put to the test, what is revealed? Love is the final objective test of our Christian profession. True love, in the sense of self-sacrifice, is not natural to human beings in their fallen state. Its existence in anyone is evidence of new birth and being in the light. Love never fails, as it is the surest test of having life and being in the light. This is because love is not a natural response but rather a supernatural one, given to believers through their new birth in Christ. When love is put to the test, it reveals whether we are truly born again and living in the light of God's presence. The social test of love is a critical aspect of this evaluation. As believers, we are commanded to love each other as evidence of genuine faith. Showing love to brothers and sisters in Christ is a key indicator of our spiritual health and maturity. When we love others, it demonstrates that we are living in the light and have been transformed by the power of God. On the other hand, when love is absent or lacking, it reveals a lack of spiritual growth and maturity. This is why John emphasizes the importance of love as a test of our Christian profession, as it is a critical indicator of our relationship with God and our connection to other believers. In contrast to other aspects of our Christian life, such as knowledge or prophesy, love is a test that never fails. While knowledge and prophesy may be imperfect and temporary, love remains a constant and enduring quality of the believer. This is because love is rooted in the supernatural power of God and is a direct result of our new birth in Christ. When love is put to the test, it reveals the true nature of our hearts and our relationship with God. It is a powerful indicator of our spiritual health and maturity, and it serves as a critical test of our Christian profession.
Sources:
letters of john
john stott
new testament background and message
thomas lea
proverbs
lindsay wilson
introduction biblical ethics
robertson mcquilkin
systematic theology
wayne grudem
christian apologetics
douglas groothius
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