Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, 13 but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. ~Mathew 24:12-13
Some days the things I see going on in this world just make me want to scream. Parents killing their children and children killing their parents, people hating each other because of their race or geographical background, a lack of regard for truth and lies and wickedness being defended. The toxicity of sin is suffocating. BUT we cannot, I cannot, let my love grow cold.
I can’t become complacent in my thinking and just throw up my hands. Nor can I join in the crowd and become sucked into all the backbiting. No, I have to keep my love hot and bright because God has never let His love for me or this world grow cold. He loves us fiercely and does not want any to perish ( 2 Peter 3:9). So I must continue to love God with everything that I’ve got and with all that I am ( Mathew 22:37). I must also love my neighbor because I can’t say I love God and hate my brother 1 John 4:20).
Is this easy? To love people who despise you? I won’t say that is, but God tells us to stand firm until the end. We stand firm on the truth of His Word. His Word tells me that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me, so I can love my enemies. I can keep my heart hot for the truth. I can wear the breastplate of righteousness, walk in peace and distinguish the arrows of the real enemy with the shield of faith ( Ephesians 6:10-18).
Wickedness may be around, but the love of God in me will abound even more. It is only by His grace that I am saved and so my love must remain. I must be intentional and stand firm until the end.
Lord, let not my love grow cold. Keep my embers bright for You so that others will feel the warmth of your love. May we stay out of the shadows of wickedness and remain in the light of your truth. May we humble ourselves, turn away from our sins, and submit ourselves to You. In Jesus name I do pray. Amen
You are spot on. Our society will self destruct unless there is revival in our hearts. This will cause revival in our land. Who will stand for the Gospel? I will. I'm not a collector of things really, I'm not sure if I have a passion, but I love Jesus. I sincerely hope that I will always stand for Him. I hope I will always show kindness even to those I disagree with. God loves them too. 😊
ReplyDeleteAmen Christie!
DeleteAlthough the message is timeless, this post is a right-now reminder of how we frantically need to go to the word of God. We have become divided as a people because we have become separated from God. May God bless you and your work, Jen.
ReplyDeleteWe can turn the tide and be the light as we stay grounded in His truth. Thank you for your words of wisdom and encouragement Samantha. May the work that I do be done for His glory.
Delete