Matthew 24:12-13 (NIV) - 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.
Wickedness in Matthew refers not only to criminal activity, but to a lifestyle which is outside the law of God, even the morally scrupulous scribes and Pharisees have been accused of wickedness (Matt. 23:28). The growth of such an attitude and lifestyle both within and outside our community will have a devastating effect. If “love” (for God and for other people) is the key principle of living as the people of God (22:37-40), the cooling of love marks the end of effective Christians.
Love is a gift from God. We love God because He first loved us (1John 4:19). No one can be forced to love God and neighbours but we can receive it freely by faith from God. What we receive freely is what we can give freely. And receiving is not something very difficult. However, what is difficult is how to maintain it because it is easy to lose love in our hearts especially when something provokes our old self. As a Christian, all of us have received the love of God at least at one point of time. Because of this we now know how to love God as well as neighbours. Wickedness in these last days seems to overwhelm us to the point where our love for God as well as our neighbours (family, friends, strangers, people of other faiths) have started to grow cold.
Now, the question is- How will you stand firm till the end as a true believer of Christ? Standing firm in faith is connected to standing firm in love because faith works through love (Gal. 5:14b) and without love faith that can move mountain is nothing (1 Corinth. 13:2). Brothers and sisters, we need to receive the love of God every day by having fellowship with God and fellow Christians in His word by His Spirit. Unless it is given to us we cannot receive. Our generous God pours out His Spirit without measure every day. God is love so also is His Spirit. God pours out His love into our hearts through His Spirit (Rom 5:5). If we are willing to receive, God has been and will always be willing to give His love to His children. And relationship is based on love so also is our relationship with God and others. Relationship allows one to help the other person genuinely. In other words, in a relationship we have someone to back us up when we are in need (spiritually and physically). So, God backs us up directly through His word as well as through His people.Today, it is very good to see some people or family gathering together every day to have fellowship with God and fellow believers. They are the ones who receive love and all the spiritual blessings promised in Christ. They, not only receive love but maintain love and all that God has given. They are also the ones who will be able to stand firm till the end.
Are you a part of such family? If not, today could be your golden chance. Start fellowshipping with your family or family in Christ. Because love can be maintained and exercised ONLY in a group(two or more individuals) just as love exists within the triune God. Let there be an overflow of love. The overflow of love from a group is beautiful. It changes many lives and can prepare others to stand firm till the end. This will give us a sense of peace, hope, and eternal security in Christ. What a joy that day would be when we see our Saviour face to face to be with Him and those with Him for forever. Halleluiah!!! Amen… Indeed, LOVE WILL NEVER FAIL US.
May The Unmerited Favor And Peace Of God Be Upon You!
