Enduring Love in Lawless Times: Guarding Our Hearts from Growing Cold
Reflections on Matthew 24:12 and Keeping Agape Love Alive
We live in an age where the world seems to drift further away from what’s right and good. Every day, the news is filled with stories of injustice, division, and cruelty that can feel overwhelming. It’s easy to wonder: “How do I keep my heart soft when so much around me feels so hard?” That’s why the words of Jesus in Matthew 24:12—“Because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold”—feel more relevant now than ever. Let’s talk about what this means for us and how we can keep our love alive, even in troubled times.
Understanding Matthew 24:12: Jesus’ Warning for Our Day
Matthew 24 is part of what’s called the Olivet Discourse, where Jesus talked with His disciples about the difficulties that would come before His return. He described a time when wrongdoing and chaos would increase, making it especially tough to stay faithful. Jesus wasn’t just warning about the world getting worse—He was preparing our hearts for the spiritual challenges we’d face, especially the temptation to let our love fade away.
The Meaning of ‘Waxed Cold’: When Love Grows Numb
When Jesus said love would “wax cold,” He was talking about the kind of love the Bible calls “agape”—a selfless, loyal, and sacrificial love that puts others first. To “wax cold” means to lose warmth and passion, almost like a fire dying down to cold ashes. This isn’t just about feelings; it’s about a community where kindness, compassion, and genuine care start to disappear, leaving hearts numb and relationships distant.
Why Does Love Grow Cold? Facing the Pressures of Life
There are many reasons why our love might fade. Sin and selfishness can creep in, making us focus more on ourselves and less on others. When we neglect our spiritual life—prayer, reading Scripture, or connecting with other believers—it’s easy to drift. Isolation, stress, and constant negativity from the world can also make our hearts feel heavy and tired. All these pressures can slowly pull us away from the warmth of God’s love.
The Consequences: Betrayal, Hatred, and Brokenness
As love grows cold, the effects ripple through our lives and communities. Relationships break down, trust is lost, and people become quick to betray or turn against each other. Without love, it’s easier for hatred, resentment, and division to take root—leaving us lonelier and the world more fractured.
Keeping Love Alive: Practical Steps for Warm Hearts
- Stay Connected to God: Spend time in prayer and reading the Scriptures. Ask the Holy Spirit to fill your heart and renew your love daily.
- Practice Forgiveness: Let go of grudges and choose to forgive, even when it’s hard. Forgiveness keeps bitterness from taking over.
- Reach Out and Encourage: Don’t isolate yourself. Seek fellowship with other believers, and look for ways to encourage and serve others.
- Share Your Faith: Telling others about the hope you have can reignite your passion for God and for people.
- Guard Your Mind and Heart: Be mindful of what you let influence you. Focus on what is true, noble, and loving.
Lessons from Jesus’ Prophecy: Caution and Comfort
Jesus’ words aren’t just a warning—they’re also a source of comfort. He told us these things ahead of time so we wouldn’t be caught off guard. We’re reminded to be alert, to guard our hearts, and to lean on God’s strength. Even when the world feels cold, we can be sure that God’s love never fails, and He will help us endure.
Enduring Love in Troubled Times: Our Call to Action
Now more than ever, we’re called to let love lead the way. Don’t be discouraged by the darkness around you. Instead, choose to keep your heart soft and your love burning bright. By holding onto God’s enduring love and sharing it with others, we can make a real difference—even in lawless times. Let’s be the people who refuse to let our love grow cold.
Minister A Francine Green
September 2025
afrancinegreen.com 