New Testament
Matthew 24:12
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Because sin will be everywhere, the love of many will grow cold.
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And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.
What Matthew 24:12 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus warns that as sin increases in the world, many people's love for others will diminish. The term 'iniquity' refers to moral wrongdoing, and its abundance can lead to a hardened heart. When people are surrounded by negativity and selfishness, they may become indifferent or apathetic towards others. This growing coldness in love can be seen in relationships, communities, and even within the church. The verse serves as a reminder that we must remain vigilant and intentional in our love for one another, despite the challenges posed by a sinful world. It highlights the importance of nurturing our compassion and kindness, ensuring that we do not allow external influences to diminish our capacity to love. In a time when negativity can easily spread, we are called to counteract it with genuine love and care for others, reflecting the love of Christ in our actions and attitudes.
How to apply Matthew 24:12 to your life
To combat the growing coldness of love in our world, we should actively practice kindness and empathy. Engage in acts of service, reach out to those in need, and foster genuine relationships. By doing so, we can help keep love alive in our communities and reflect Christ's love.
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Teaching on the Mount of Olives (Matthew 24:1–25:46)
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Photo: zeevveez, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.0. Source. Location: Capernaum, on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee. Resized for the web.
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Jesus' home base by the Sea of Galilee, and the town where Peter lived.
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At a Glance — the Book of Matthew
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 24:12 mean?
Matthew 24:12 means that as sin increases in the world, many people will become less loving and more indifferent towards others. This verse highlights the danger of allowing negativity and moral wrongdoing to affect our ability to care for one another.
What is the meaning of 'iniquity' in Matthew 24:12?
In Matthew 24:12, 'iniquity' refers to moral wrongdoing or sin. The verse suggests that when iniquity is prevalent, it can lead to a decline in love among people.
How can we keep love alive according to Matthew 24:12?
To keep love alive, we should actively practice kindness, empathy, and service to others. Engaging in genuine relationships and reaching out to those in need can help counteract the coldness described in this verse.
Why does love grow cold in Matthew 24:12?
Love grows cold in Matthew 24:12 because of the abundance of sin and iniquity in the world. When people are surrounded by negativity, they may become apathetic and indifferent towards others.
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