It’s cold in America

An arctic freeze envelops our nation. It’s cold in America—bitterly cold. It’s the sort of cold that cuts through layers of clothes, stings your uncovered skin, and leaves you hunting for warmth wherever you can find it. In an era of global warming, it seems paradoxical. Last year was the hottest on record, yet here we are, shivering our tushies off under icy skies.

It makes me think about another kind of cold—the chill that often settles over our hearts. While temperatures rise globally, human connection sometimes feels like it’s in deep freeze. We grow distant from each other, huddled in the shelters of our opinions and biases, rather than braving the vulnerability of relationship and community. It’s hard to be real. It’s harder to be authentic. Our personal echo chambers separate us from one another, adding another layer of deception in our seemingly Uber-connected social media world.

The Bible reminds us of the importance of warmth, not just physical warmth but spiritual and emotional warmth too. Scripture is clear: there is power in connection. Ecclesiastes 4:11 says, “If two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone?” This verse isn’t only about the cold nights but also the cold seasons of life when we need one another most. Yet, these are the seasons we find ourselves alone. There is hope and healing in togetherness. The whole world doesn’t have to understand you as long as somebody does.

Ecclesiastes 4:11 EASY

Also, if two people sleep together,
    they help each other to be warm.
But if you sleep alone,
    it is difficult to be warm.

During this arctic freeze, I can’t help but think of those who have no shelter. My team is currently working an emergency inclement weather shelter. It’s hard work but they do it well. I’m currently not there with them, but I will share more about why in a future post. The homeless are often forgotten when the world turns icy. The chill of neglect can be as real as the frost in the air. Jesus calls us to remember the least of these—maybe that looks like providing a hot meal, a thick blanket, or simply a kind word to those in need.

We must also take inventory of the internal climate of our souls. Is my heart warm toward others, or have I allowed the frost of bitterness and anger to take root? In Matthew 24:12, Jesus warns, “Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold.” But He also gives us hope that those who endure in love will be saved.

Matthew 24:12 EASY

More and more people everywhere will be doing very bad things. Because of this, many people will no longer love each other in the way that they did before.

As we collectively navigate this literal and figurative cold spell, may we be intentional about stoking the fires of kindness, compassion, and connection. We can offer the warmth of generosity to a stranger or serve as a refuge for someone who is weary, as we remind the entire world that even during the coldest seasons, God’s love never grows cold.

I pray you stay warm, dear reader, and remember: No matter how cold the Winter, Spring always comes.

Until my next post…

Grace and peace,

Rainer Bantau —The Devotional Guy™