Matthew 24:12 – Because iniquity abounds, the love of many will grow cold

The Cooling Off of Love Because of the Multiplication of Iniquity
The phrase “Because iniquity will abound the love of many will grow cold” is found in Matthew 24:12, and points to a very real problem occurring in our world today. Iniquity, meaning injustice or evil, is something we see everywhere, and it seems that more and more people are straying from the right path. Unfortunately, this has a ripple effect that can lead to a cooling of love. In this Bible study, we’re going to explore further what that means and how we can prevent it from happening in our own lives.

The Origin of Love
Before we talk about the cooling of love, we need to understand what love is in the first place. Love is one of the main messages of the Bible, and it is the basis of all Christian teaching. In 1 John 4:8 , it is written: “He who does not love does not know God, because God is love”. Love is not just a feeling we have for others, but it is the essence of God himself. When we love others, we are reflecting God’s love in us.

However, love is not just an emotion or feeling. It’s also a conscious choice we make to love others, even when it’s hard. In John 15:13 , Jesus says, “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” This kind of sacrificial love is the kind of love God has for us and the kind of love we should have for each other.

The Multiplication of Iniquity
Sadly, as iniquity multiplies in our world, we often see people falling away from God’s love. When we see injustice, corruption, and evil in our world, it’s easy to get discouraged and feel hopeless. In Matthew 24:12 , Jesus warns that “Because iniquity is multiplied, the love of many will grow cold” . This means that as iniquity increases, many people may begin to lose their faith and love for God.

Love’s Cooling
So what happens when love grows cold? Love is what unites us as Christians and enables us to love others as Christ loved us. When love cools down, people become selfish and indifferent to the needs of others. Instead of coming together in love and compassion, people start to separate and compete with each other. This can lead to conflicts and divisions in the church and society at large.

In Revelation 2:4 , Jesus warns the church in Ephesus, “I have this against you, that you have abandoned your first love.” This means that although they were still fulfilling their religious obligations, their love for God had cooled. This is an important reminder that no matter how much we are involved in religious activities, if we don’t have love in our hearts, it’s all for nothing.

How to Avoid Falling in Love
So how can we keep our love from growing cold? Here are some suggestions:

1. Maintain a close relationship with God
   Love is an expression of God’s nature, and the closer we are to God, the more loving we will be. That means taking time daily to pray, read the Bible, and meditate on God’s Word. In John 15:5, Jesus says, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If anyone remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; for without me you can do nothing.” When we abide in Christ, we are nourished and strengthened in love.
2. Practice sacrificial love
   Sacrificial love is one that cares about the needs of others and is willing to help, even if it means sacrificing our own interests. In Philippians 2:4, it is written: “Do not look only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others” . When we practice sacrificial love, we are reflecting God’s love in our lives.
3. Remain in Fellowship with Other Christians
   Fellowship with other Christians is important to keep our love burning. When we are surrounded by other believers, we are encouraged and strengthened in our faith. In Hebrews 10:24-25 , it is written: “Let us also consider one another, to stir up love and good works. Let us not give up meeting together as a church, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another.”
4. Fight Iniquity
   To keep our love from growing cold, we must oppose iniquity and do what we can to combat injustice and evil. In Ephesians 6:12, it is written: “For our struggle is not against people, but against the powers and authorities, against the rulers of this world of darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places”. When we fight iniquity, we are reflecting God’s love and justice.

Conclusion
The multiplication of iniquity is a reality in our world, but this need not lead to a cooling of love. When we strive to maintain a close relationship with God, practice sacrificial love, stay in fellowship with other Christians, and fight iniquity, we can keep our love burning and vibrant. Always remember Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 13:13: “Now remain faith, hope and love, these three; but the greatest of these is love . ” May God’s love continue to guide and sustain us in all our actions and decisions. Amen.