997) When I was young, I thought I knew what love was. After all, you just need to experience it and it was like a drug. It made me feel so good, I just couldn’t get enough of it. As I grew older, I came to understand that love is demonstrated amid difficulties. When death, disappointment, betrayal, illness, and selfishness seep into your love relationships, what then? When these things happened In my youth, I was confused. Love couldn’t be something that is so difficult, but it is in these hardships that love is more precious.
I discovered unselfishness when I deserved blame. I felt the blessing of giving to another who made bad choices instead of my seeking revenge. I learned to forgive and be forgiven. I have offered grace where punishment would have been so much easier and I have received grace when I wouldn’t give it to myself.
Romans 8:28 is a verse that Christians quote often: For we know all things work together for good to them that love God. It’s easy to sit back and trust that God is working for our good and we love him for that, but what about when these “things” aren’t the sort of “good” we desire? We love God because he works for our good, giving us the blessings we have, but do we love God when death knocks on our door? When our marriages fall apart? When family members don’t speak? When the pain inside is so big, you feel you’re going to die or lose it? THAT is the test of love.
Do we trust God enough to work everything for our good amid despair? How can this possibly be? How can such horrid circumstances be “good”? To answer this question (at least to the degree that fallible humans can), think back to some of the horrible situations you’ve gone through. What good came from them? In doing this, we recognize that despite the pain, we had the opportunity to become better people. Giving this consideration will help us navigate the turbulent waters we find ourselves in from time to time.
Biblical love can be and should be tested frequently. Just remember, love itself — God, will always pass the test. Always.
