Matthew 24:12 And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold.
The devil’s intention in stirring up wickedness, sin, and denial is to cause our love to grow cold.
Jesus spoke to the church of the Laodiceans, “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot.” (Revelation 3:15)
The moment Satan succeeds in bringing you to a place where you become cold, you are finished. This is because everything in this Kingdom is love-controlled, not power-controlled. The purity of any service we render must flow from a place of love.
Paul told the Corinthians;
“But earnestly desire the best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way.” (1 Corinthians 12:31)
And to the church in Ephesus, John records Jesus saying: “Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love.” (Revelation 2:4)
The church of Corinth was gifted but lacked love. The church of Ephesus was good, yet Jesus had something against them—they had forgotten their first love. They were still doing what they used to do, but they were no longer receiving the same reception from God because their works no longer flowed from a place of love.
The best way to do marriage, ministry, and whatever we do in life is by the way of love. God, by giving us His Son, showed us the perfect example of how we must operate if our work is to have an impact today and in eternity. (John 3:16)
Genesis 4:6-7 [6] So the LORD said to Cain, “Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen? [7] If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin lies at the door. And its desire is for you, but you should rule over it.”
The only sacrifice God receives and recognises flows from a heart of love. Cain’s sacrifice was not accepted because he did not do well. He had room to become better, but became offended and killed his brother. He failed to understand that God did not reject him—He rejected his sacrifice.
Like Cain, many of us have allowed wickedness to come between us, causing our love to grow cold. God is speaking to us to examine ourselves and see whether we are walking in love or in strife, competition, or jealousy.
We are ambassadors of Christ; we represent Him. We must use whatever God has called us to do to reveal Him. We no longer live for ourselves but for Christ. We must be God-conscious in all we do, working as unto the Lord and not to men. (Colossians 3:23; 2 Corinthians 5:14–15, NLT)
What controls your life? Satan will cause all kinds of evil so that your love grows cold, and when it does, your ability to please God diminishes. That is why we must contend for love. (1 Corinthians 14:1)
A life that is going to win is soaked in Agape love—so that even when people offend or betray you, it does not affect you. Such a heart conquers the devil, the flesh, and sin.
Romans 5:5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
The love of God is already in our hearts, but the challenge is that it has not yet found expression.
God brings people into our lives so that this love may grow. Life is defined by love, and man is a creature of love. That is why Scripture emphatically calls us to love God and our neighbours.
When we love God first, we seek His will in all that we do. (Luke 10:27; Proverbs 3:5–6, NLT)
Heaven is lovingly calling us into a deeper and more intentional walk of love. Will you answer the call? Take time to test, examine, and evaluate your heart to see whether you are truly walking in love, so that your life may be a faithful and effective witness in this Kingdom. (2 Corinthians 13:5)
STAY BLESSED AND HIGHLY FAVORED, WE LOVE YOU.
PASTOR BEN OCHOLA.