Scripture
“Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.” Matthew 24:12-13 NIV
Observation
The disciples asked Jesus, when would he come a second time. Then he told what would be the signs: false Christs, wars, famine, and natural disasters. Those who follow Jesus would be persecuted, and during this time, many will turn away from the faith. There will be many false prophets deceiving God’s people.
Then Jesus tells that the love of most will grow cold.
The signature of a true Christian is love. And for those who face all these signs of the end of the ages, but still stand firm into the foundation that is Jesus, those who would still love God, the church, and the people, those who stand firm to the end will be saved.
They are the ones who have the true love, which is the Fruit of the Spirit, a love that never fails, a love that keeps us from stumbling.
Application
One characteristic of our living being that we shall never lose as Christian is love. Not the shallow love promoted by the media but the true love provided by Christ.
It is scary to think of a world where the love of most will grow cold. But the world is walking towards that future. We already can see hatred because of their different perspectives, lifestyle, political view, skin color, etc…
The church should rise above all things through love. Love that embarrasses others because it is the pure love of God in our lives.
So, the question is: will we be able to stand firm to the end, without letting our love to grow cold?
The answer is yes.
“To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy— to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power, and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.” Jude 1:24-25 NIV
As we live our lives towards that cold future, let us warm up our hearts in love today, learn from Him, who is able to help us stand to the end.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, let my love grow warm and warmer and warmer. Let me reflect on others the love that only you can provide. And as the world’s love grows colder, help us to stand firm to the end. In Jesus’s name, I pray.
