What is Going On?!?! Where Did the Emotion of LOVE Go?

Have you noticed a change over the last few years regarding your relationships with friends, family, and others? Do you get a sense from people that they really don’t care much for one another as they did years ago? Texts go unanswered, or with no reply from anyone in the group? Even in your morning greeting with someone, there is no reply?

Perhaps the younger generation sees this as normal, and the way that it has always been, but I indeed have noticed a dramatic change while interacting with others.

So, why is this? I’m headed to the scriptures to find out. Here are two interesting scriptures that talk about love in the “last days.”

Matthew 24:12 where Jesus says:

“And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.”

This verse is part of a larger discourse where Jesus is talking to His disciples about the signs of the end times. He indicates that as lawlessness (iniquity) increases, people’s love for one another will decrease, which is often interpreted as referring to a decline in both love for others and perhaps even love for God.

I understand this to be the case. Sin has always changed people’s heart, and love for others. But my friends and family are not sinners. Why the change? Let’s look at another.

2 Timothy 3:1-5

“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.

For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,

Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,

Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;

Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.”

In this writing, Paul describes perilous times in the last days, including people being “without natural affection,” which is often understood as referring to a breakdown in love and empathy between people.

These passages point to a general decline in love and moral values in the last days, which many believe signals the worsening conditions leading up to the return of Christ.

Very interesting indeed! While studying this topic, I feel a sense of relief with this discovery in the scriptures. This isn’t just happening to me, but something actually foretold by a prophet of God. The feeling of relief however, is shattered with the reality of what we have become.

Three is a light in ALL of us… It’s the Light of Christ. So, what is this, and why are we not seeing it much anymore?

It is often understood through scriptures that describe Christ as the true light that enlightens all people. This light represents divine truth, guidance, and moral understanding given to all mankind.

Let’s go back to the book.

John 1:9
“That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.”

This verse refers to Jesus Christ as the “true Light” who illuminates every human being, often understood as the innate sense of right and wrong (conscience) or spiritual enlightenment. It leads people toward God, truth, and righteousness.

John 8:12
“Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”

Jesus declares Himself as the light of the world, meaning that He provides the way to truth and eternal life.

Matthew 5:14-16
“Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”

Here, Jesus tells His followers that they, too, carry this light and should shine it through righteous living and good works.

Psalm 119:105 –
“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”

God’s word (scripture) is a source of divine light, guiding people in righteousness.

It seems that the adversary is also keyed in, relating to this change in people’s hearts during the last days. As we’ve all learned from the frog placed in a pot with lukewarm water, he will say in that pot, even to the point of death, as the heat is increased to a boil. He is unaware of the change because it comes so slowly.

So, it is with the adversary. Even those who are righteous can have their light towards others dimmed, as he creates emotions within ourselves that dampen the importance of showing love towards one another.

Being aware that this is happening is the first step in preventing our light to diminish in our lives. We can always recharge our light by studying more of the teachings of Jesus Christ. Wanting to be more like Him, is the boost that we need sometimes.

What if we assumed that of our responses were all directed to Jesus Christ? Every greeting towards others, our interaction with one another, and taking a moment to show kindness towards one another through our responses. Would that make it easier to do? Well… that is actually the case already. Check this out.

Matthew 25:40

“And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”

I challenge each one of you reading this to give this a try for the next week. Let your response in all that you do be as if you were responding directly to the Savior.

I’m in… are you?

Showing kindness has a profound impact on both the giver and the receiver. Acts of kindness, whether small gestures or grand efforts, create a ripple effect that spreads positivity. When we show compassion and generosity, we foster stronger relationships, build trust, and encourage a sense of community.

Kindness also reduces stress and anxiety, as like it releases feel-good hormones oxytocin and serotonin, which promote emotional well-being. In a world that can sometimes feel harsh and divided, a simple act of kindness has the power to bring people together, heal wounds, and inspire others to do the same.

Beyond emotional benefits, kindness also contributes to personal growth and a sense of purpose. When we extend kindness, we shift our focus from ourselves to the needs of others, developing empathy and a greater understanding of the world. This not only enriches our character but also boosts self-esteem and confidence, as helping others fosters a sense of accomplishment.

Additionally, kindness is contagious—when we lead by example, we encourage others to follow, creating a cycle of goodwill that benefits entire communities. Ultimately, kindness is not just about making others feel good; it strengthens our own hearts and deepens our connection to humanity.

I hope that this has helped you understand what is happening to those around you, as well as ourselves. The adversary doesn’t always come into our life swinging… He has learned that the only way to cause change with the righteous is to slowly sneak in, very gradual, without us even knowing that he has changed our feeling towards each other.

So, once again, there needs to be some kind of reward for making an effort to change. If you have taken this challenge, and felt somewhat successful with your efforts, I grant you all permission to take a bubble bath. It will be so worth it.