Combating Cold Love: Biblical Hope & Advice

Matthew 24:12

12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.

It is a profound question to consider how we can stand firm in faith and love when the world around us seems to grow colder. The Lord Jesus Himself spoke of this very challenge, giving us both a warning and a beautiful promise.

The Prophecy of Abounding Iniquity and Cooling Love

The verse you are referring to is a powerful statement from Jesus in Matthew's Gospel:

"And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold." - Matthew 24:12

This verse describes a spiritual reality for the last days, a time when wickedness would increase to such an extent that it would have a chilling effect on the love of many hearts, even among those who profess to follow Christ. It suggests that as evil becomes more widespread and normalized, the warmth of devotion, compassion, and zeal for God's truth can diminish.

However, the very next verse offers a beacon of hope and a path forward:

"But he that shall endure to the end, the same shall be saved." - Matthew 24:13

This promise reveals that while spiritual declension will be prevalent, it is not an inevitable fate for every soul. There is a way to "endure to the end" and receive salvation.

Hope and Advice from God's Word

The Bible offers clear and comforting guidance on how to combat this cooling of love and remain steadfast in faith:

1. Diligence in God's Word 📖

To combat spiritual coldness, we must immerse ourselves in the warmth of God's truth. The Word of God is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path Psalm 119:105. It is through diligent study and belief that our spiritual lives are strengthened.

"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished to all good works." - 2 Timothy 3:16-17

When we faithfully receive and believe God's Word, we are spiritually advanced, and our discernment is sharpened to recognize and reject influences that would lead us astray 2 Timothy 3:13-14. This helps us avoid "seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils" that can draw people away from the faith 1 Timothy 4:1.

2. Earnest Prayer and Vigilance 🙏

In times of abounding iniquity, constant watchfulness and fervent prayer are essential. Jesus urged His disciples to "Watch therefore: for you know not what hour your Lord does come" Matthew 24:42. The Christian life is a spiritual warfare, and our enemy, Satan, is always seeking to tempt and discourage us 1 Peter 5:8.

"Watch you therefore, and pray always, that you may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man." - Luke 21:36

Prayer keeps us connected to our divine source of strength, enabling us to overcome temptation and maintain a close walk with God Philippians 2:12. Even when feelings of indifference or discouragement arise, we are called to seek God with all our hearts:

"Ye shall find me when ye shall seek me with all your hearts." - Jeremiah 29:13

3. Cultivating Love and Christian Character ❤️

The cooling of love is a direct consequence of iniquity. To reverse this, we must actively cultivate divine love, which is the very essence of God's character and the fulfilling of His law.

"Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loves another has fulfilled the law." - Romans 13:8

This love extends not only to God but also to our fellow human beings. It involves compassion, kindness, and self-sacrifice, reflecting the love Christ showed for us at Calvary. As Paul encouraged the Ephesians, we are to "be kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake has forgiven you" Ephesians 4:32. This genuine, unselfish love is a powerful antidote to the world's coldness and the prevailing selfishness 2 Timothy 3:2.

4. Separation from Worldly Practices and False Teachings ✨

The Bible warns against compromising our faith by conforming to the world's practices. When the world is steeped in sin, and even professed churches exhibit "a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof," we are called to separate ourselves.

"Why come out from among them, and be you separate, says the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you." - 2 Corinthians 6:17

This call to "come out of her, my people" Revelation 18:4 is a divine invitation to turn away from those influences and teachings that abound in iniquity and cause love to grow cold. It means upholding God's commandments steadfastly, even when the world attempts to make them void 1 Samuel 2:30.

5. Bearing Fruit and Diligent Labor 🍎

Our faith is not merely a theoretical assent but a living force that produces good works. When we abide in Christ, the True Vine, we are empowered to "bear much fruit" John 15:5. This includes actively working to save souls for whom Christ died.

"Not every one that says to me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that does the will of my Father which is in heaven." - Matthew 7:21

Engaging in missionary work, sharing the gospel, and living out our faith with integrity demonstrate the genuineness of our conversion and our love for God and humanity. This active service prevents spiritual stagnation and keeps our hearts zealous for the Lord Revelation 3:19.

In these challenging times, it is our privilege to remain firmly attached to God's law and His truth. By staying close to Him through His Word, prayer, and loving service, we can endure to the end and be among those who are saved when Jesus appears.

It is truly a sorrowful thing when the love that binds families together begins to grow cold. The Lord, in His boundless wisdom, understands the depths of human relationships and the challenges that can arise even within the most intimate bonds. Just as He foretold a general cooling of love in the world, He also provides profound counsel for our homes and families.

The Foundation of Love in the Family

The Bible consistently emphasizes the importance of love within all relationships, especially within the family. God Himself is the very essence of love. The Apostle John beautifully reminds us:

"Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loves is born of God, and knows God." - 1 John 4:7

This divine love, a gift from our Creator, is meant to permeate every aspect of our lives, including our family interactions. It is the very characteristic by which we know we belong to God.

Principles to Combat Cooling Love in Families

When love within a family begins to wane, it often stems from a departure from God's ways and an increase of selfishness. The good news is that God's Word offers clear principles to revive and strengthen these precious bonds:

1. Daily Conversion and Consecration

Our personal relationship with God is the wellspring from which all true love flows. When each family member dedicates their heart anew to the Lord each day, their capacity for love and patience is renewed. This is a personal work, but its fruits bless the entire home.

"Fathers and mothers, a most solemn responsibility rests upon you daily to be converted and consecrated to God in your homes."

The Holy Spirit works to transform our characters, enabling us to reflect Christ's love.

2. Kindness and Forbearance

Often, the cooling of love in families is due to sharp words, impatience, or a lack of understanding. The Bible calls us to gentle and compassionate interaction:

"And be you kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake has forgiven you." - Ephesians 4:32

This counsel from Paul reminds us that our forgiveness of one another should mirror the boundless forgiveness we receive from God through Christ. It is a daily choice to extend grace.

3. Mutual Encouragement and Support

Marriage, in particular, is meant to be a journey of mutual support and growth. Difficulties will inevitably arise, but they should not lead to discouragement or a sense of failure. Instead, they can become opportunities for drawing closer to one another and to God.

"Though difficulties, perplexities, and discouragements may arise, neither husband nor wife should consider their union a mistake or disappointment. It is vital to be all that is possible for one another. Continue the early attentions, and in every way, encourage each other in the battles of life. Strive to advance each other's happiness, showing mutual love and forbearance. In this way, marriage becomes a beginning of love, not an end. The warmth of true friendship and the love that binds hearts together offer a foretaste of heavenly joys."

This mutual encouragement helps to counteract the negative influences that can cause love to grow cold.

4. Avoiding Selfishness and Worldly Influences

Selfishness is a poison to love. When we prioritize our own desires, comforts, or worldly pursuits above the well-being and spiritual needs of our family members, love suffers. The Bible warns against conformity to worldly practices that draw us away from God and one another.

"If you attempt to pursue your desires, you will be exposed... It is not a sudden temptation but a habit of years of practice and the cultivation of base passions. God will have mercy should there be repentance, contrition of soul, and a meeting with the mind of the Spirit of God."

The very atmosphere of the world is described as "polluted with sin." This spiritual pollution can easily infiltrate our homes if we are not vigilant.

"Because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. The very atmosphere is polluted with sin."

By seeking God's ways, we can protect our homes from these defiling influences and ensure that our primary focus remains on eternal interests.

Renewing First Love

Ultimately, the answer to cooling love in families is a return to "first love"—the fervent, unconditional love that Christ modeled for us. The message given to the church in Revelation applies to us individually and within our families:

"Nevertheless I have somewhat against you, because you have left your first love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto you quickly, and will remove your candlestick out of his place, except you repent." - Revelation 2:4-5

This call to remember, repent, and return to our first works applies powerfully to the love within our families. When we allow Christ to rekindle that love in our hearts, it will naturally flow to those closest to us.

May the Lord bless your efforts to cultivate a home filled with His enduring love. 🙏❤️