LOVE TURNING COLD

 

Sunday, January 2, 2022

 

LOVE TURNING COLD

Matt 24:12

12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.

 

Rev 2:4

4 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.

 

          Yesterday began warm and very little like winter with a temperature in the sixties. As the day progressed, one could observe a steady cooling. This morning the temperature is eighteen degrees! The two words in Matthew “wax cold,” is translated from a single Greek word psucho which literally means “to breathe voluntarily but gently.” Like a person would breathe on hot soup to cool it. So, we understand that a cold wind had, or rather, would change the nature of love.

 

          Too much energy, I think, has been spent in researching what, specifically, was the nature of the Ephesians’ “first love.” I don’t think the Spirit is referring to a specific aspect of their love but of love itself. Surrounded by and influenced by a cool wind of iniquity, the Ephesians had slipped in their love for their Lord. As their love cooled, their acts of devotion decreased.

 

          The modern church has been scrutinized by the modern church and we have found ourselves wanting but for all our scrutiny we have very few remedies. The simple fact is that iniquity abounds all around us. It is not easy being a Christian and those who think themselves strong spend way too much time and energy in judging others.

 

          Jesus offers a remedy for the chill in our relationship. He tells us to remember! Those of us who are long married cherish the memories of our early love. If we forget, we may slip into a routine of something less. Next, Jesus simply says to repent! This word, in the Greek, is metanoeo and means “to think differently; to reconsider.” We might even say that it means “to remember once again.” Reconsideration results in a return to abandoned actions and activity.

 

          If Jesus and His church are not as attractive as before, perhaps it is because your love has grown cold.

 

Lord, the days are evil, and life is busy. Modern innovations meant to save time have stolen the remainder of our time and energy. Gone are the days when we sat together and held hands. I love you, Lord. Forgive me for not showing it. AMEN