Biblical Answer

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

Love is the final objective test of our Christian profession, for 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 a transformed life. When love is tested, it reveals the true nature of a person's heart. It shows whether they are willing to put others before themselves, to sacrifice for the benefit of others, and to prioritize the needs of others above their own.

In John 15:13, Jesus says, "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." This is the ultimate test of love. When we are willing to lay down our lives for others, it shows that we are willing to put their needs above our own. This is a sign of a transformed life, a life that is controlled by the Holy Spirit. When love is tested, it reveals whether we are living a life that is controlled by the flesh or by the Spirit. If we are willing to sacrifice for others, it shows that we are living a life that is controlled by the Spirit.

In 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, Paul describes the characteristics of love. He says that love is patient, kind, and not self-seeking. It does not envy or boast, it is not proud or rude. It does not demand its own way, it is not irritable or resentful. It does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. When love is tested, it reveals whether we are living a life that is characterized by these qualities. If we are willing to put others before ourselves, to sacrifice for others, and to prioritize the needs of others above our own, it shows that we are living a life that is controlled by the Spirit and that we are a true follower of Christ.