Why We Must Not Allow Our Love To Grow Cold In The Midst Of So Much Hatred | A Story That Feels All Too Familiar

It was just another evening when I scrolled through the news headlines. Story after story carried the same themes: division, violence, anger, and deep wounds left behind. My heart felt heavy, and I caught myself whispering, “Lord, how much more of this can we take?”

Maybe you’ve felt it too—the temptation to withdraw, to stop caring, to let bitterness and weariness silence your love. It almost feels safer to close our hearts than to keep them open in such a hostile world.

But Jesus warned us this would happen:

“Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold.” (Matthew 24:12, NIV)

And yet, He calls us to another way.

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The Subtle Danger of Growing Cold

Hatred doesn’t just exist in the obvious acts of violence we see on the news. It seeps quietly into daily life—into the way we speak, the way we view others, even the way we protect ourselves. If we are not careful, the constant flood of anger around us can cause us to stop loving.

The enemy knows this. If he can’t steal our faith outright, he tries to freeze our hearts.

But God designed love to be stronger than hate.

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God’s Heart Has Always Been Love

From the Old Testament to the New, God shows us again and again that love is not optional—it is His very nature.

“I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.” (Jeremiah 31:3, NIV)

God’s love is not based on circumstances, moods, or public opinion. His love is everlasting—and He calls us to mirror that love even in seasons of darkness.

“Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs.” (Proverbs 10:12, NIV)

This verse is practical wisdom. Where hatred adds fuel to the fire, love acts like water, calming flames, softening hearts, and healing wounds.

“The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.” (Psalm 103:8, NIV)

If this is God’s posture toward us, how can we justify a posture of coldness or indifference toward others?

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What Jesus Showed Us in the Gospels

When Jesus walked the earth, He was surrounded by hatred—toward His message, toward the poor and marginalized, even toward Himself. And yet, He never allowed His love to grow cold.

“Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” (Matthew 5:44, NIV)

Jesus didn’t just preach this; He lived it. On the cross, He prayed forgiveness over those who nailed Him there (Luke 23:34). That’s the radical love that defies hatred.

“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:35, NIV)

Love isn’t just something we practice privately—it’s how the world recognizes Jesus in us. When love grows cold, our witness grows dim.

“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34, NIV)

At the very moment of humanity’s cruelty, Jesus revealed the warmth of divine love. That is the standard He invites us to follow.

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How Do We Keep Our Love Warm?

It’s not easy, but it is possible through God’s Spirit. Here are some practical ways:

Stay rooted in prayer. Prayer keeps our hearts tender before God and shields us from bitterness.

Choose forgiveness daily. It doesn’t mean excusing wrong, but releasing hatred so it doesn’t poison us.

Seek God’s perspective. Isaiah 55:8-9 reminds us that His thoughts are higher than ours. When we lean on His wisdom, we see people differently.

Actively love in small ways. A kind word, a listening ear, a helping hand—these are small fires that keep love burning.

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Reflection: Why It Matters

If we allow hatred to shape us, we begin to look less like Jesus and more like the world. But when we choose love, even in the face of hatred, we declare that darkness does not have the final word.

Romans 12:21 echoes this truth:

“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

This isn’t just idealism—it’s the way God’s kingdom breaks into a broken world.

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A Gentle Invitation

Friend, I know the weight of this season can feel overwhelming. But you are not alone in this journey. Together, we can be people who refuse to let love grow cold.

You can join in this mission simply by:

Praying for hearts—including your own—to stay tender.

Sharing encouragement with someone who feels weary.

Spreading messages of hope in a world drowning in negativity.

Supporting ministries and communities that keep love alive.

Every prayer, every kind word, every act of support matters.

We are called to be the light of the world, not because it’s easy, but because love is stronger than hate. May we lean on the God who abounds in love, and may our hearts remain aflame with His compassion.