John UK wrote:
If love is a fruit of the Spirit, and not a mere natural love, then it looks to me as though Jesus is saying that this love (which comes from God) can be severely undermined .....

But if it is a natural love, then why would Jesus be insisting on it being maintained, and thus enduring to the end?
Matthew 24:12 "And .....wax cold."

BUT
Promises

Phil 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:

1Pet 1:5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

1Jo 3:9 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him

Mike wrote:
"mortal sinful love" Is that in the Bible?

John UK wrote:
If we are exhorted to BE FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT, that is, an ongoing experience of being filled continually, as found in Ephesians 5:18, then Paul obviously knew that true believers could find themselves in a position where they were no longer filled with the Spirit.

webwatch wrote:
I find no biblical call for men and women to behave as pre-programmed automatons acting only from natural or supernatural impulse and not responsible for their own actions. Men and women are responsible for their sins and responsible to obey God.

John UK wrote:
But there is a difference between the 'Love of God' and 'Love for God'.
Also the LOVE OF GOD which is shed abroad in our hearts by the HOLY GHOST at our conversion can decrease over time,

You both appear to be suggesting that there is TWO loves in the Christian. One from the power of the Holy Spirit and a separate love which is mortal and inadequate.

Gal 5:6 For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.
= Faith works by love. = Are you saying that this faith may fail? Which love works faith? Ours or the Holy Spirits?

Gal 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
= Love here is the very fruit of the Spirit. Does this love move aside sometimes to be replaced by mortal sinful love?

How many love's does the Christian have working in them?

BUT.......

webwatch wrote: wrote:
"Is it possible that there's a small amount of evangelism because there's a small amount of love for God and others?Yes, I think it is possible ~ and likely."

John UK wrote:
Yes, I think it is possible ~ and likely.

1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope:
5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the LOVE OF GOD IS SHED ABROAD IN OUR HEARTS by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

John UK wrote:
pew view: a word, please.
I wish I had the character and lived the life of that godly saint John Wesley. And so should you.
Doctrine aside, that is!