We are living in days of great deception and in the times of which Jesus warned us that people would grow cold in love and betray one another (brother against brother). So we must not only endure in love to all, but also be wise to avoid people who are perpetually bent on strife and controversy.

As Christians, we will never do evil to anyone and we will never fight with human beings. But we will continue to expose wrong doctrines.

We must also "open our mouth for the rights of all the unfortunate and defend the rights of the afflicted and needy" (Prov.31:8,9). David prayed that God would cause confusion in the camp of rebellious Absalom through Ahithophel's counsel (2 Sam.15:31) and God answered that prayer (2 Sam.17:23). Jesus prayed that the Father would forgive those who hurt Him. But He ruthlessly condemned those who hurt others (see his condemnation of the Pharisees in Matt.23 ).

And now a word about the parable of the wise virgins:

Once we have heard one interpretation of a parable, it is easy for our minds to be so fixed on that interpretation, that the Lord can never give us another interpretation of it. Some time ago, I sought the Lord to break out of this fixation to understand the parable in its context - which is always the best way to interpret any parable:

In Matthew 24:12, Jesus said that the love of many would die out in the last days, but those who endured to the end (without their love dying out) would be saved (or, enter in to God's house) (Matt.24:13). Then He spoke the parable of the virgins - five whose lamps died out and five who endured until the end and entered into the house (Matt.25). So one meaning of the oil he spoke of must be referring to Divine love given to us by the Holy Spirit . So we have to endure until the end in Divine love if we are to enter God's house when the Bridegroom comes. This is what it means to have " an extra flask of oil" that will keep our lamps burning until the end.

Jesus said, "They hated Me without a cause"(John 15:25) But in return, He loved them without any cause. Let us follow His example and love until the end. Otherwise "dying to self" can become an empty doctrine - as it has become for many who preach about it. I find that many "believers" who talk about walking the way of the cross, are not only lacking in love, but lacking in plain human decency and courtesy as well. They glory in their so-called "pure doctrine", but their life stinks. If our doctrine is truly pure, then the fragrance of the love of Christ will radiate from our lives.

The 19th century Quaker missionary, Stephen Grellet once said, "I expect to pass through this world but once. Any good thing therefore that I can do, or any kindness that I can show to any fellow-creature, let me do it now. Let me not defer or neglect it - for I shall not pass this way again." Let me encourage you to follow that advice.