How you answer these questions will determine whether you really understand the true meaning of love. It is easy to love the lovely. But the true test of one's love is his or her ability to love the unlovable. Unfortunately, many people—Christians included—are failing the love test.

How you answer these questions will determine whether you really understand the true meaning of love. It is easy to love the lovely. But the true test of one's love is his or her ability to love the unlovable. Unfortunately, many people—Christians included—are failing the love test.

Jesus' commandment to "love one another" (John 15:17) is the most violated commandment, because society as a whole operates in human emotional love rather than developing in the agape, or God kind of love that never fails (1 Cor. 13:8).

While agape love is unconditional, limitless, never considers itself and loves the unlovable, human emotional love is only concerned about "self." It is conditional and constantly asks the question, "What about me?"

In other words, human emotional love is rooted in selfishness, which is the reciprocal of love. It seeks its own advantage, pleasure and well-being without regard for others.

When you walk in agape love, the hurts, desires and happiness of others become your concern. You won't mind adjusting your plans and desires to meet the needs of someone else. Imagine how many marriages could be saved if couples would spend less time trying to get their own needs met, but instead concentrate on meeting the needs of their spouses.

By taking the focus off of "self" and placing it on someone else, you can love other people because of and in spite of whatever he or she does. Agape love says, "I am going to love you no matter what and I don't need you to love me back."

However, human emotional love says, "I will love you only if you love me back." It is a qualifying kind of love that is based on how it is treated.

I'll be the first to admit that it is easy to love those who treat you well and who love you back. But where's the profit in that? Even the worst sinner is capable of loving under those conditions. However, believers have been commanded to walk in love with all men.

That means the coworker who you wish would find another job, the teacher who annoys you, the parent who you just don't understand, and even those Christian friends who use and abuse you.

Allow the unlovely people in your life to provide you with an opportunity to develop in agape love.

Don't worry about being taken advantage of by others. Remember, love never fails. If you build your life on it, even the most violent storms of this world will be unable to shake you. It will make you solid in every area of your life.