Biblical Answer

When love is put to the test, what remains?

As we delve into the Bible's teachings on love, we find that it is the ultimate test of a person's Christian profession. According to 1 Corinthians 13:2, 8, and 13, love is the surest test of having life, and it is what remains when everything else fades away. This is because love is not a natural trait for human beings in their fallen state, but rather evidence of new birth and a deepening relationship with God. In 1 Corinthians 13:3, it is written, "And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing."

The Bible teaches that love is the final objective test of our Christian profession because it is the one thing that never ends. As 1 Corinthians 13:8 says, "Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away." This means that even when our gifts, talents, and knowledge fade away, love remains. This is a powerful reminder that our relationship with God and others is what truly matters in the end. In fact, the Bible teaches that perfect love for God shows itself in confidence before God and a deep love for other believers (1 John 4:17-21). This is an application of the social test, which is a crucial aspect of our Christian walk.

In conclusion, when love is put to the test, what remains is a deep and abiding relationship with God and others. This is the true measure of our Christian profession, and it is what will last long after our earthly lives have ended. As we seek to cultivate love in our lives, we must remember that it is not a feeling or an emotion, but a choice we make every day. By choosing to love God and others, we demonstrate our commitment to our faith and our desire to live a life that reflects the character of Christ. Ultimately, love is what remains when everything else fades away, and it is the greatest treasure we can possess in this life and the next.