Lukewarm

What Does "Lukewarm" Mean in Revelation 3:16?

November 16, 20243 min read

This used to trigger me SO much! I thought it meant I had to hustle non-stop: evangelize, serve, DO MORE. 😰 But guess what? That’s NOT what it means. 🛑💡 Let me explain... 👇"

I used to hear “Don’t be lukewarm!” and freak out. 😬 I thought, “Am I doing enough for God? Should I be evangelizing more? Serving harder?!” 🏃‍♀️💨

But then I read Revelation 3:16-22 again... and I realized it’s NOT about doing MORE. 🤯

💧 What Does "Lukewarm" Mean in the Bible?

The word "lukewarm" comes from water that’s neither hot nor cold—it’s in the middle. 🥱 In this verse, Jesus uses it as a metaphor for people who are indifferent in their faith.

  • Hot faith 🔥: Passionate and alive, fully committed to God.

  • Cold faith ❄️: Honest about doubts or far from God, but not pretending.

  • Lukewarm faith 💧: Half-hearted, indifferent, and not really caring.

God desires people to be fully engaged with Him, either passionately following or honestly seeking Him—not just "meh."


🤔 Does Being Lukewarm Mean You’re Not Working for God?

Nope! 🙅‍♂️ Being lukewarm isn’t about how much you’re doing—it’s about your heart. 🫶 You could be busy with church activities or helping others, but still have a heart that’s not fully devoted to God.

God doesn’t want just actions—He wants a relationship with you. 💬 He’s after your love and passion, not just a checklist of religious duties.


🥱 Why Does God Dislike Lukewarm Faith?

Imagine drinking water:

  • Cold water 💦: Refreshing on a hot day.

  • Hot water ☕: Comforting and useful (think tea or coffee).

  • Lukewarm water 😖: Blah and unpleasant.

That’s what lukewarm faith is like to God—it’s neither refreshing nor alive. 😔 He wants a faith that’s passionate, real, and meaningful!


🔥 How to Avoid Being Lukewarm

  1. 💬 Spend Time with God: Read the Bible, pray, and talk to Him daily. Build your relationship.

  2. ❤️ Be Honest About Your Faith: Struggling? Admit it. God values realness over pretending.

  3. 💪 Choose Passion: Don’t just go through the motions—live your faith with purpose and love.

  4. 🤝 Stay Connected: Surround yourself with people who inspire you to grow spiritually.


🌟 What’s the Reward for Passionate Faith?

In Revelation 3:20, Jesus says:
"Here I am! I stand at the door and knock." 🚪💓

This shows Jesus is waiting for you to invite Him in. He wants a close, personal relationship with you. 🙏 When you live passionately for Him, you’ll experience His love, peace, and eternal rewards.

💎 Bonus: He promises those who stay faithful will share in His victory and glory forever! 🏆✨


Conclusion 🌈

Being lukewarm isn’t about how much you do for God—it’s about how much you care. 🥰 God wants your heart to be fully committed, overflowing with passion and love. Don’t settle for a faith that’s "meh." Take steps today to grow closer to Him and live a life that’s truly on fire! 🔥


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