I'm not sure the level of emotional response a person shows to the good/bad news shared with them by someone else is what the "lukewarm-ness" of Laodicea was about.

A lot of factors impact our response to someone's news - how long we've known them, how close the relationship, our own emotional state at the time, our personality type, etc. 

Of greater concern to me is a church that appears to not have adequate care and follow up of members who suddenly "disappear" and are absent for a while.  There should be some shepherding method in place to touch base and offer ministry and assistance to folks who are suddenly off the radar.  But again, I don't think it parallels the Laodicean problem.

I'm going to have to agree with OldDad on this one.

Laodocea was a community that was right next to some mineral hot springs that people bathed in for medicinal purposes and next to a river that was from some snow melting in the nearby mountains. The town's water supply was piped throughout the town and was lousy. It was lukewarm and full of minerals which made most people queasy when they drank too much of the city water. (the water pipes had to be replaced regularly from the mineral deposits) The river may have been in a deep ravine and difficult to haul water out of...but it's water was much much better.

That particular river watered many farms in the region providing lots of groceries for the area...

The Hot Mineral springs were heralded and known for their healing qualities.

The city water was also known for being the worst city water of anywhere in the roman empire.

Bigdog, I'm sorry you have (or still are) gone through those things and it sucks when it seems that no one cares. I've experienced that myself and really felt like no one cared. We all need each other and none of us has to go through life alone.


I can see how you say that some christians could fit in with the lukewarm laodicean church. However, the lukewarmness Christ was referring to is in verse 17: these are people who say they are christian and are so convinced that because they are rich, they don't need anything. So because they feel they need nothing, their 'walk' with God is anything but righteous and they don't do what He tells them to do. They could care less about anything else and yet claim to be christians.

Please know that I love you, ok? Just because people don't empathize with you doesn't automatically mean they're lukewarm christians and it'd be best to not judge them, either. People have things going on in their lives too that you may not have any knowledge about. Whatever they are going through, it can play on their nerves and in their eyes, the last thing they want is someone coming to them with his/her problems. That may seem harsh, but that's the reality of the world we live in.

So the next time you need some support, just go get it from people you know WILL support and encourage you. Even if its just one person. 

Very true. 

Bigdog,

I am saddened you are having to endure these trials.  So, not fun! 

There are so many possible factors  here, that it is hard to come to a conclusion.  The Lord does say...

1Jn 3:16  Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.
1Jn 3:17  But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?
1Jn 3:18  My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth

I have had the same thing happen to me.  I have also experienced leaving a church where I was very active and no one contacted me.  And it hurt greatly!  The Lord has a very strong admonition in Ezekiel against the pastors who do not go after sheep that wander away.  I have discovered many are gifted in teaching/preaching but I have not seen many pastors with a true shepherd's (pastor's) heart.

But that is the way it is and God is allowing this to happen to you for a reason.  Painful, yes, but God wants to turn it around and use it in your life so that you will be the one who cares...you will be the one who reaches out...you will be the one who the Lord loves the hurting through.

I'm going to find a devotional from "Streams in the Desert" that is precious to me and post it for you on my devotional thread.  Please do know that God will use every bit of your suffering for His glory and to bless His precious children, if you let Him...

Shalom

The lukewarmness in Laodicea isn't about emotion in church or in conversations with you, nor is that what Scripture means when talking about the last days.
The question is whether they are committed to God, not whether they like you, or react the way you think they should.

Thank You so much for your reply, what hurts me is I've been told I have a caring heart and I've always pushed my problems aside for them and do what I can to support them, I cry with them I pray with them and always listen to them, well the Lord developed a caring heart in me, but this is just one of the problems of that type I'll put up with, but for the Lord I'll always go the extra mile. Well I really got off track with what I said.
Thank You Again,
Brother Robert