Biblical Answer

When love becomes a choice, it reveals that our true nature is capable of making decisions that go against our immediate desires or circumstances. This is because we are created in the image of God, who is a sovereign being with the power to make choices that align with His will, even when it is difficult or uncomfortable (Romans 12:1-2). As humans, we have the capacity for volitional love, which means that we can choose to act lovingly, even when it doesn't feel like it (1 John 3:16). This requires us to be willing to put others' interests before our own, to serve and look out for their well-being, and to endure difficult situations for the sake of love (Galatians 5:13-14, Philippians 2:3-4).

The choice to act lovingly, not the intensity of the feeling, is the test and ultimate proof of love. This means that love is not just an emotion, but a decision that we make to act in a certain way, even when it's hard. For example, Jesus chose to follow God's will, even when it meant going against His own desires or feelings (Matthew 26:39). This kind of love is not based on how we feel, but on our commitment to act in a way that is pleasing to God and beneficial to others. As the Bible says, "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres" (1 Corinthians 13:4-7).

When love becomes a choice, it also reveals that our true nature is capable of growth and transformation. As we choose to act lovingly, we become more like God, who is the ultimate example of love. This is because God's love is not just a feeling, but a decision to act in a way that is pleasing to Himself and beneficial to others. As we choose to follow God's example, we become more like Him, and our love becomes more like His. This is why the Bible says, "We love because he first loved us" (1 John 4:19). Our ability to choose love is a reflection of God's love for us, and it is only as we choose to love that we become more like Him.