Definition: And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Matthew 24:12. It's a really important and somewhat sobering message about humanity and its actions. Here’s a simple explanation: What it means: "Because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold." This translates roughly to: “Because people will do wrong and be selfish, the love of people will become distant and lack warmth.” Let's unpack each part: “Iniquity” : This is a tricky word. It’s often translated as "sin" or "ewlessness." But it’s more than just punishment for wrongdoing. Think of it as a natural consequence of our choices – the result of our actions, especially when we're selfish and don’t care about others. “Shall abound” : This is an intensifier – meaning “will be very plentiful.” It suggests a massive amount of bad behavior. “The love of many shall wax cold” : This is the core of the verse. "Love" here refers to compassion, kindness, empathy, forgiveness, and genuine care for others. “Wax cold” means it becomes distant, lifeless, and lacking in its usual warmth or enthusiasm. So, what does this mean practically? The verse speaks to a potential future where: Society becomes more unkind: When people are selfish and don't care about each other’s well-being, there will be more selfishness and wrongdoing. Compassion fades: Without love and empathy, genuine connection with others diminishes. Moral decline: It suggests that our society might drift towards a place where people become less moral and less considerate of one another. Important Note: It's not necessarily about everyone being evil. This verse is more about the tendency for negative behavior to increase. It’s a warning about the potential consequences of our choices. In short, it’s a call to action – to be mindful of our actions and strive for good, because unchecked selfishness can lead to a world where compassion diminishes. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the historical context of this passage? Talk about how this verse relates to modern society?