And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. (Matthew 24:12, KJV)
The Greek word translated as love in this passage is the Greek word agape. Agape is the God kind of love – true unconditional, unfailing love. It is a love that only those who are born again possess. Yet this scripture speaks of agape growing cold.
But I have this against you: you have lost the love you had at first. (Revelation 2:4, CJB)
…you have left your first love. (Revelation 2:4, NKJV)
Once again, the word translated as love in this passage is the Greek word agape. It is not the world that is letting their love grow cold and slip away. It is many in the church.
Awakening – rousing; quickening: an awakening interest in…; a revival of interest or attention; a recognition, realization, or coming into awareness of something…; a renewal of interest in religion, especially in a community; a revival. (dictionary.reference.com)
It is time for an awakening. It is time to awaken to love for the Bridegroom again. This great love will draw those who have never known it. As the church awakens, she will awaken others to His love.
How? Remember His love towards you. Remember His love and you will remember to love.
We love, because He first loved us. (1 John 4:19, ASV)
They will know us by our love. (John 13:35)
I saw a bumper sticker today that said, “coexist” with a variety of different symbols regarding different faiths and beliefs. Immediately out of my spirit rose, “No. We are to love (agape).” Coexisting will not draw others to us, but love will. Indeed, this is what separates the Church from all other faiths. It is supernatural to agape, but a test of human will to coexist.