“Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold.”
Matthew 24:12
Understanding Our Times
Have you noticed how easy it is to become numb to the needs around you?
Maybe you’ve caught yourself scrolling past tragic news stories or ignoring a friend’s struggle.
Jesus warned us about this – how increasing wickedness can make our hearts grow cold.
The Cooling Effect
What Makes Love Grow Cold?
Think of your love like a flame. Several things can dim it:
- Information overload
- Constant negativity
- Compassion fatigue
- Repeated disappointments
Recognizing the Warning Signs
Your Love Might Be Cooling If:
- You’re less moved by others’ pain
- Helping feels more like a burden
- Prayer becomes mechanical
- Relationships feel more distant
The Root of the Problem
The verse points to “wickedness” as the cause.
This isn’t just about obvious evil, but includes:
- Growing selfishness
- Loss of community
- Digital disconnection
- Values erosion
Keeping Your Love Warm
Practical Steps
- Guard your heart carefully
- Stay connected to God’s Word
- Keep showing up for others
- Practice intentional kindness
- Pray for compassion
Daily Love-Warming Practices
Think of these like adding wood to your fire:
- Start each day with gratitude
- Look for ways to serve
- Share encouragement
- Stay connected to community
Today’s Prayer
Lord, guard my heart from growing cold. Help me stay sensitive to others’ needs and keep my love burning bright. Give me strength to show your love even when it’s difficult. Amen.
Your Love Temperature Check
Take a moment to assess:
- How’s your compassion level?
- Are you still moved by others’ needs?
- Do you make time for relationships?
- Is your love active or passive?
Fighting the Freeze
Remember:
- Small acts of love matter
- Consistency beats intensity
- Every kind gesture counts
- Love is a choice, not just a feeling
Practical Ways to Keep Love Warm
- Make one phone call each day to check on someone
- Write encouraging notes
- Pray specifically for others
- Take action when you see a need
The Power of Choice
Love growing cold isn’t inevitable. You can choose to:
- Stay engaged
- Keep caring
- Maintain connection
- Continue giving
Remember, Jesus warned us about this tendency not to discourage us, but to prepare us. We can keep our love warm even in a cold world.
Your Daily Challenge
Pick one person today who needs to experience warmth in their life. Reach out with:
- A kind word
- A helping hand
- A listening ear
- A genuine prayer
The world needs your warm heart more than ever. Don’t let increasing wickedness win by stealing your capacity to love. Keep your flame burning bright – someone needs your warmth today.
Upside Down: 15 Week Bible Study
You Have Been Seated with Christ in the Heavenly Realms
God’s great hope for us is not simply the forgiveness of sins and a place in heaven when we die; but rather, He wants us totally restored, in heart, mind and soul . . . NOW!
As we enter into this amazing adventure with God, we soon recognize that we are a part of something tremendous, something that is beyond our earthy perspective, and we are transported into the heavens with Christ; we live, breathe, and find our being in Him!
This Bible study will help you rediscover how it all began, what happened in the Garden of Eden, who is the Devil really, and what is he up to today.
- Head into the heavenly realms and discover profound truths concerning your relationship with God, and His incredible plan for you.
- Search your heart, preparing for a fresh baptism of the Holy Spirit. In this study, you will enter into God’s armory, suiting up with the whole armor of God.
- Discover the Keys to the Kingdom given to you, and learn what they unlock; discovering your true nature in Christ, the authority given, the Sword of the Spirit, the covering armor, and the mission ahead, you will truly learn to pray . . . Upside Down!