What does "love of most will grow cold" mean for believers now? Setting the Scene in Matthew 24 “Because of the multiplication of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold.” (Matthew 24:12) • Spoken by Jesus on the Mount of Olives, this prophecy is part of His literal, end-times briefing to the disciples. • The context: escalating deception, persecution, and lawlessness (Matthew 24:4-11). • Jesus warned that these pressures would chill genuine, sacrificial love (Greek agapē) among the majority, not a mere fringe. What Jesus Meant • “Multiplication of wickedness” points to a widespread, measurable surge in sin and moral rebellion (cf. 2 Timothy 3:1-5). • “Love … will grow cold” pictures love losing its warmth, like embers left untended. It is not sudden rejection but gradual cooling. • “Most” (or “many”) indicates a large percentage of professing believers, underscoring the seriousness for the church itself, not only the world. • Jesus contrasts this decline with the promise: “But the one who perseveres to the end will be saved.” (Matthew 24:13) Perseverance proves authentic faith. How Spiritual Coldness Shows Up Today • Diminished passion for God’s Word and prayer, replaced by entertainment and busyness. • Indifference toward gathering with the saints (Hebrews 10:24-25). • A critical or cynical spirit replacing compassion and brotherly kindness (1 Peter 4:8). • Selective obedience—tolerating sin that culture applauds. • Withholding time, resources, or service from those in need (1 John 3:16-18). • Online hostility and gossip among believers, contrary to Ephesians 4:29-32. These patterns signal the chilling effect Jesus predicted. Practical Ways to Keep Love Burning • Guard the heart daily: regular self-examination before the Lord (Psalm 139:23-24). • Fan the flame of first love: remember, repent, and redo the early works (Revelation 2:4-5). • Abide in Scripture: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105). • Stay prayer-saturated: “Pray without ceasing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). • Cultivate fellowship: pursue face-to-face encouragement, not virtual isolation (Acts 2:42). • Serve tangibly: meet practical needs to keep compassion active (Galatians 6:9-10). • Guard doctrine: hold “the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints.” (Jude 3). • Depend on the Spirit: “Keep yourselves in the love of God, as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Jude 21). Encouraging Promises for the Faithful • Jesus knows each faithful deed: “Because you have kept My command to persevere, I will also keep you from the hour of testing.” (Revelation 3:10). • Love can actually increase: “May the Lord cause you to increase and overflow in love for one another and for everyone.” (1 Thessalonians 3:12). • Eternal reward awaits: “God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the love you have shown toward His name.” (Hebrews 6:10). By taking Jesus’ warning literally and responding in active obedience, believers today can resist the chill of lawlessness and shine with a love that endures to the end. |
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