Biblical Answer

When love is tested in the face of uncertainty, it reveals its true nature. As Jimi Jamison of the Survivor band said, "I want a love that will last." This desire is rooted in the biblical truth that love never fails (1 Corinthians 13:8). However, deciding when feelings have reached the right level is not easy, and uncertainty can be excruciating. In this state, we are forced to examine our motivations and the nature of our love. Is it perfect love, which is characterized by confidence before God and a deep love for other believers (1 John 4:17, 20-21)? Or is it imperfect love, which is rooted in faith and trust, but also comes with strings attached?

When love is tested, it is often revealed to be imperfect. We may love others conditionally, expecting them to meet our expectations or relieve our uncertainty. This is evident in the biblical concept of the social test, where love is put to the test through our interactions with others (1 John 3:11-18). When we fail to love others as we should, it reveals our true character. Love keeps no record of wrongs, and lack of love manifests itself when we take account of the wrongs committed against us (Matthew 18:21-35). In this sense, uncertainty can be a blessing in disguise, as it forces us to confront our imperfect love and seek to grow in our understanding and practice of love.

The testing of love in the face of uncertainty ultimately reveals the sovereignty of God. As the apostle John wrote, "We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brothers. Whoever does not love remains in death" (1 John 3:14). This statement highlights the connection between love and spiritual life. When love is tested, it is not just our emotions or actions that are revealed, but also our spiritual state. This is because love comes out of faith and trust, and is a manifestation of our relationship with God. In this sense, uncertainty can be an opportunity for spiritual growth, as we seek to deepen our understanding and practice of love in the face of uncertainty.