Is the Growing Coldness of Love Reflecting in Our Generation?
Do you read the local newspapers or watch the news? We witness such tragic occurrences such as parents torturing and killing their children, heartless drive-by shootings that take lives with no provocation, and the mass killing of children for the sake of convenience. Beyond these heart-wrenching events, we observe a turning away from religious beliefs where churches are being sold or even worse, to pay for the crimes committed by the clergy. These are clear signs that the 'love of the greater number will grow cold,' as described in Matthew 24:12.
Observations in Our Generation
Today, we see a growing trend of self-centered behavior. Children are engrossed in video games, teenagers walk 'zombie-like' with their smartphones, and at home, husbands and wives are absorbed in endless streams of TikToks, Facebook, and YouTube shorts. Helping the homeless is challenging due to the effects of drug addiction and crime. Attendance at religious services has drastically declined, with many people attending online due to long working hours and online studies. The fear of contagious viruses has made in-person gatherings almost taboo.
Surprisingly, to find solace and genuine kindness, one needs to travel far, to places where there is no access to smart devices and people still greet strangers warmly. In these places, individuals still work tirelessly day by day to find their next meal. The fear-driven world we live in provides constant updates on brutal wars, countries invading others, and people living in fear of religious persecution and censorship. These factors contribute to a growing sense of detachment and a cold-hearted society.
A Historical Perspective
There is undeniable evidence that the world is at an unprecedented level of violence, surpassing any time period since Satan's expulsion from heaven. This prophecy in Matthew 24:12 was not just a distant warning; it was a palpable reality. 'Palpable' here refers to a condition that can be easily perceived or detected as if it were physical or tangible.
Even before I was baptized or studied with the Jehovah's Witnesses, I could sense this growing coldness. Most of my childhood, I knew few kind individuals. Those who seemed kind would exhibit some generosity, but their other actions were often cruel. This was not just a result of my assumptions; the lady who lived down the road was probably kind, but her two boys were often terrorizing her, making it difficult to see her except when she was disciplining them.
Preparation for a Better Tomorrow
The scriptures indicate that conditions will get worse before they get better. While this may seem daunting, it is also a call to prepare ourselves for a better tomorrow. This prophecy warns us to stay vigilant and continue in our faith. We must not succumb to the coldness and darkness around us but stay connected to the values of love, kindness, and compassion.
As Jehovah's Witnesses, we see these verses not just as a historical prophecy but as a living truth that we experience daily. Our faith encourages us to remain steadfast in the face of adversity and to continue spreading love and kindness wherever we go. Through our actions, we can make a difference in a world that seems increasingly cold and uncaring.