The Trial of Coldness

"Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold.  But he who stands firm to the end will be saved." (Mt 24:12-13)

One of the hardest trials Christians face is coldness. In this scripture "cold" is seen as the opposite of "love."  It is hard to feel unloved, unappreciated, and rejected in this life. Jesus did not speak about a cure for coldness.  He asked His people to "stand firm".  He admonishes us because coldness is a harsh trial.

When we feel unloved, we may seek to reconcile with those who are cold towards us. This can involve compromises, concessions, and denial of who we are in Christ. In the book of Revelation, Jesus admonishes those who are in the church of Philadelphia  to "hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown." (Rev 3:11). These Christians were not welcome because of their faith.  Jesus called the false believers "those who are of the synagogue of satan." (Rev 3:9)  It sounds like the false believers did not love the true believers, nor did they think that God did.  But Jesus told the true believers that He would bring the false ones to their knees "and acknowledge that I loved you." (vs 9).

Love; God loves us.  It is precious to be surrounded with friends, family and brethren that love us.  But should we find ourselves in the trial of "coldness," we must stand firm in our faith.  As Christians, we follow One who suffered great rejection, and yet remained true to Who He was, and did the will of His heavenly Father.  Let us do the same.  And let us have warm hearts as we stand firm.  End.