WILL YOUR LOVE BE TESTED
By W. G. Guy
This seems like a strange question, but consider that our faith is often tested in order to prove how real and firm it is.
1 Peter 1:6-7 – Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: that the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:
1 Peter 4:12-13 – Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: but rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.
So why shouldn’t your love be tested; especially since love is so important in, and to, the kingdom of God? Please understand that this article is about the God kind of love, not the world’s kind of love, which is quite different and is based on fleshly lusts. God’s love is revealed in the definition of the Greek word for love, agapao; which means – affection; benevolence; to love, both social and moral; a means of giving and caring, desiring the best for others, even at your own expense, (just as God the Father, and Jesus His Son did).
John 3:16-17 – For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
John 15:13 – Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
God’s love is the message of the entire Bible from the Old Testament through the New Testament. Even the Ten Commandments are about love: the first four about loving God, and the next six about loving one another. This is why Jesus said that love is the great commandment:
Matthew 22:36-40 – Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.
In Book of Romans we read the same affirmation.
Romans 13:8-10 – Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.
Love is also the evidence of those who are the children of God through accepting God’s love gift of life through Jesus Christ: then we share that love with others.
1 John 4:7-8 – Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.
Thus we also see that “love” is the main identifier of God’s children of faith. So let’s look at what love (charity) does, and what love does not do:
1 Corinthians 13:4-8 – Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Charity never faileth:
Let’s look deeper into the sixteen specifics of what is presented in the above verses about the God kind of love – “CHARITY”; because this is what will be tested to show our love in obedience to Him.
- Charity suffereth long – love patiently endures mistreatment, even in difficult relationships: it does not blame or make accusations.
- and is kind – generous, showing mercy on those in need.
- envieth not – is not jealous of other’s blessings.
- vaunteth not itself – not prideful or arrogant; does not brag about achievements or one’s own importance.
- is not puffed up – is humble before others.
- doth not behave itself unseemly – exercises self-control; does not promote self over others, and is not resentful or hold grudges.
- seeketh not her own – is not selfish or self-centered.
- is not easily provoked – not overly sensitive or easily offended.
- thinketh no evil – does not plot against others for gain or to get even.
- rejoiceth not in iniquity – is not rebellious as in pursuing one’s own agenda; repulses injustice, grieves over sin and unrighteousness.
- rejoiceth in the truth – favors honesty and righteousness.
- beareth all things – endures opposition, affliction and difficult times.
- believeth all things – holds to the promises of God and His Word.
- hopeth all things – looks forward in anticipation that the best yet to come.
- endureth all things – maintains faith, and walks in faithfulness, even in affliction.
- Charity never faileth – is overcoming power; the greatest power in the universe that does not cease to overcome.
Your love can be challenged and tested in ways that your faith is? Will it come through afflictions on your children, or your family, or on you personally? This is the work of Satan, the god of this world, who seeks to steal, kill and destroy, and that by any means possible.
John 10:10 – The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
John 16:33 – These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
So how will God judge your love life? Is your love focused on yourself, and the things of this world; or is your love focused on Jesus, the kingdom of God, and caring for others? Remember, love (charity) is about compassion, giving and caring for others. God’s love is the greatest power in the universe! Why? Because it gives life; it is the redeeming power that restores what was lost due to sin. All other forms of power work to destroy. Love is part of being faithful!
Will your love endure the trials of this life? God’s love gives you the ability!
