Biblical Answer

When love is tested in a world of hurt, it is revealed that true love is not natural to human beings in their fallen state. It is a product of new birth and comes out of faith and trust in God. When we love others, we are likely to love with strings attached, meaning we will love those who will relieve our ordinary love and respond appropriately to creation as it is. However, when faced with the problem of pushing the button that destroys the human race, love will mean facing the problem with a heart that is willing to sacrifice and put the needs of others before our own.

In this sense, love is the surest test of having life, as it has already been shown to be the test of being in the light (2:10). When we are hurt, wounded, and treated unkindly, our love is tested to see if it will fail or if it will continue to grow and flourish. This is not just about loving our friends and family, but also about loving our enemies and showing kindness to those who do not deserve it. When we are faced with difficult situations, our love is put to the test, and it is in these moments that we discover the true nature of our hearts.

The Bible teaches us that love never fails (1 Corinthians 13:8), and it is the greatest of all virtues (1 Corinthians 13:13). When we love with a servants heart, a willingness to count others better than ourselves and to serve and look out for their interests as well as our own, we are demonstrating true love. This is not just a feeling, but a choice that we make every day to put the needs of others before our own. When we do this, we are reflecting God's love and mercy, and we are showing the world what it means to truly love.