A Love Test

How loving are you? No, really, this is a genuine assessment. To test ourselves, let’s use one of the most cherished love passages in all of Scripture as our guide. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 provides a clear definition of love. If the scripture reference doesn’t ring a bell, chances are the verses will, as they have been read at weddings, displayed in home decor and quoted in written works and social media posts. The passage reads:

“⁴Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. ⁵It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. ⁶Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. ⁷It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”

There it is, one of the most poetic and inspiring treasures in the Bible. With this working definition of love, let’s now “test ourselves” and see how we measure up. To do this, replace the words “love” and “it” with “I” in the first person.

I am patient; I am kind.

I do not envy.

I do not boast; I am not proud.

I do not dishonor others.

I am not self-seeking.

I am not easily angered; I keep no record of wrongs.

I do not delight in evil but rejoice with the truth.

I always protect.

I always trust.

I always hope.

I always persevere.

So, how loving are you? You likely felt a bit awkward reading this list. That’s because, if you’re being honest, you would admit that you fall short of this standard of love. You’re not alone. In fact, all of us fail at this example of love and probably have done so many times already today!

The truth is that God created us with an innate desire to love and be loved. He designed us to be in relationships, both with him and with others. Love is at the core of significant relationships, whether with a spouse, child, parent, co-worker, teammate, friend, or neighbor. Every relationship we have needs some level of love to stay healthy.

The irony is that while we are all created for love, our sinful nature prevents us from meeting these standards on our own. We will always fall short. The good news is that although our love is imperfect, God’s love is flawless. In fact, in Psalm 13:5, David writes, “I trust in your unfailing love.”

If we want to grow in our love, the best way to do so is by receiving more of God’s love, as his love is unfailing and overflowing. Placing ourselves in situations where we can receive God’s love is the first and most important action we should take — to let God love us. Keep monitoring your love level as you go through your days. If you ever notice your love is draining, stop and refuel with God’s love. His love will refresh and renew you, resulting in a greater love of God and people in your life!