“There are people in your life who will cut you open just to see what you are made of—show them it is love.”

-Donna Ashworth

One of the qualities most of us hope to find in others, and cultivate within ourselves, is authenticity. There is something refreshing about being around people who are genuine, transparent, and comfortable being who they truly are. Yet authenticity often seems harder to find than it once was, and it can be difficult to understand why. Perhaps part of the reason is the world we live in today. Technology has allowed us to stay connected in ways previous generations could never imagine, yet it has also, at times, created distance between us. Many conversations now take place through screens instead of face-to-face interactions. Messages can be edited, photos filtered, and emotions hidden behind carefully chosen words. As a result, genuine human connection can sometimes feel like a lost art.

However, authenticity is only the outward expression of something deeper. What truly matters is not just how authentic we appear on the surface, but what lies at the very core of who we are. This is where Donna Ashworth’s quote challenges us. It asks a simple yet profound question: What are you made of?

Her answer is equally simple: love.

Just four letters, yet perhaps the most powerful force in human existence. Love has the ability to heal wounds, restore relationships, inspire forgiveness, and bring out the very best in people. It is the foundation of compassion, kindness, patience, generosity, and grace. When love becomes part of our character rather than merely an emotion, it shapes the way we respond to both the joys and challenges of life. Unfortunately, many people become hesitant to trust or love because of painful experiences. They have encountered dishonesty, betrayal, manipulation, or disappointment. Those experiences leave scars that are not always visible. As a result, walls are built, defenses are strengthened, and skepticism often replaces vulnerability. Before letting others get close, we may wonder whether they can truly be trusted.

Sometimes people will “cut us open,” as Ashworth describes. They may challenge us, criticize us, misunderstand us, disappoint us, or test our patience. In those moments, our true character is revealed. When life becomes uncomfortable, it exposes what lies beneath the surface. Pressure has a way of uncovering what we are genuinely made of.

The question is not whether we will be tested. The question is how we will respond when those tests come. Will we answer hurt with more hurt? Will we respond to criticism with bitterness? Will we allow someone else’s actions to determine our character? Or will we choose another path?

Leading with love does not mean allowing others to mistreat us. It does not mean avoiding healthy boundaries or ignoring injustice. Rather, it means refusing to let negativity dictate who we become. It means choosing kindness when resentment would be easier. It means offering understanding when judgment feels more natural. It means extending grace without surrendering wisdom. We may never fully know what is hidden within another person’s heart until we invest the time to know and understand them. But we can know ourselves. We can examine our own character, values, and intentions. We can decide what we want at the center of our lives.

If love becomes our foundation, it will naturally influence our thoughts, words, and actions. We will not simply talk about love; we will embody it. We will carry it into our relationships, our workplaces, our communities, and our daily interactions. In doing so, we create a ripple effect that extends far beyond ourselves. When others test your character, let them discover patience. Let them discover compassion. Let them discover integrity. Let them discover grace.

Most importantly, let them discover love.

Morning Reflection: Begin Your Day with Intention

If someone were to see the true contents of my heart today through my words, attitudes, and actions, what would they discover, and what intentional choice can I make to ensure it is rooted in love?

Evening Reflection: End Your Day with Insight

How did I respond when I was challenged, frustrated, or tested today, and what did those moments reveal about what I am truly made of?