In Christ’s prophecy of the last days found in Matthew 24, we read, “Because iniquity (or lawlessness) shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.” (Matthew 24:12). But what type of love is Christ referring to? Looking at the original Greek text, we learn that it is not brotherly love that will wax cold, nor is it erotic love that will diminish in the last days. The love that Christ says will wax cold is the selfless agape love found in the hearts of those who have accepted the love of their Savior.

We are warned that the love of many Christians will grow cold in response to pervading lawlessness. As I write this, there are loud cries to defund and dismantle entire police departments. Time will tell how far this particular anti-police rhetoric will go. How, exactly, last-day lawlessness will manifest itself remains to be seen. All we are told is that “lawlessness will multiply” (Holman Christian Standard Bible), with the result that “the love of most will grow cold” (Berean Study Bible).

Revelation chapters 2 and 3 contain seven letters from Christ to His church, covering seven periods of church history. The lesson from the letter to the church in Ephesus (Rev. 2:1-7) is particularly relevant to our topic. Christ commends the Ephesian believers, “I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary.” What a commendation! But, “Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love.” Many in the last days will leave their first love and be lost. “But he who endures to the end will be saved” (Matt. 24:13).

And it is in this context of prevailing iniquity and love waxing cold that “this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations and then the end will come” (Matt. 24:14). Our love batteries need daily recharging through reflection on God’s love for us and meditating on Christ’s goodness and the beauty of the gospel. Thus, our love will endure as we each fulfill our part in preaching the gospel of the kingdom.

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