Liba Hopeson
Revelation 3:15 is one of the most well-known verses in the Bible and also one of the most misunderstood. Jesus says to the church in Laodicea, “I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other.” Many people explain this verse by saying that hot means strong faith, cold means unbelief, and lukewarm means half-hearted Christianity. Some even say Jesus prefers people to reject Him openly rather than follow Him weakly. But this explanation creates a serious problem. Why would God want anyone to be “cold” in the sense of unbelief? Why would Jesus prefer rejection over faith?
The Bible clearly teaches that God wants people to believe, repent, and remain close to Him. In 2 Peter 3:9 we are told that God does not want anyone to perish but wants all to come to repentance. God never desires unbelief. So this popular interpretation does not reflect God’s heart or the wider teaching of Scripture.
To understand what Jesus truly meant, we must understand the context of the city of Laodicea. Historical sources tell us that Laodicea was a wealthy and self-confident city. It was known for financial strength, textile production, and medical knowledge, especially treatments related to the eyes. The people believed they were successful and in need of nothing. But Laodicea had one serious weakness—it had no natural water source. The city depended completely on water brought through long aqueducts from nearby places. Hot water was brought from Hierapolis, and cold water was brought from Colossae. This detail is very important for understanding Jesus’ words.
Hierapolis was known for its natural hot mineral springs. The water there came out of the ground hot and rich in minerals. People did not drink this water; they bathed in it. The heat and minerals helped relieve pain, sickness, and weakness. The hot water brought healing. Colossae, on the other hand, was known for its cold, fresh mountain water. Snowmelt flowed down from the mountains, producing clean and cold drinking water. Travelers and workers drank it and felt refreshed and strengthened. Cold water revived the tired and gave new energy. In that region, hot water healed and cold water refreshed—both were good and useful.
Laodicea tried to bring both kinds of water into the city. But by the time the hot water from Hierapolis and the cold water from Colossae traveled many kilometers through stone pipes under the hot sun, they lost their quality. The hot water cooled down, and the cold water warmed up. What reached Laodicea was lukewarm water, full of minerals, bad in taste, and unhealthy. Instead of helping people, it often made them sick. Every person in Laodicea understood this problem from daily life.
This is the picture Jesus used. When He said, “You are neither hot nor cold,” He was not talking about emotional passion or spiritual excitement. He was talking about usefulness. Hot water healed. Cold water refreshed. Both had purpose. But lukewarm water was useless and even harmful. Jesus was telling the church, “You are not healing anyone, and you are not refreshing anyone. You are active and religious, but you are not useful.” God does not want people to be spiritually “cold” in the sense of rejecting Him. What He wants is believers who are close to Him and useful to others.
This message speaks directly to us today. Many people criticize the church strongly. We talk about its failures, weaknesses, and hypocrisy. Some criticism is necessary and fair. But Jesus turns the question toward us. Before asking, “What is wrong with the church?” we must ask, “Am I hot or cold?” Am I bringing healing to anyone? Am I refreshing anyone? Or am I only criticizing without contributing? Lukewarm faith often talks a lot but helps very little.
Being hot means bringing healing. Healing includes compassion, justice, forgiveness, and sacrificial love. The Bible places great importance on caring for the poor, widows, orphans, and the weak. A healing Christian does more than pray; they act. They do more than speak about love; they show it. For example, when someone is struggling financially or emotionally, a hot believer steps in with help, time, or support, even when it costs something. Healing faith moves outward toward others.
Being cold means bringing refreshment. Cold water gives strength to the tired traveler. In the same way, Christians are called to encourage, comfort, and lift others up. Our words should refresh, not exhaust. Our presence should bring peace, not pressure. Sadly, many Christian spaces are not refreshing. There is gossip, harsh judgment, and constant complaint. People often leave more discouraged than when they arrived. A refreshing believer listens, encourages, and reminds others of God’s faithfulness.
Another serious problem today is an overly future-focused faith. Many Christians think the main purpose of following Christ is only to go to heaven. Heaven is our hope, but God has also given us responsibility here on earth. Jesus taught us to pray that God’s will be done on earth. When faith becomes only about the future, we neglect the present. Injustice, suffering, and brokenness are ignored. True faith lives meaningfully now, bringing God’s love into everyday life.
Selfishness and unhealthy individualism also make our faith lukewarm. We often think only about personal benefit and private property, not about community well-being. Today, in many places, roads have become narrower because private plots of land keep expanding and houses are built without concern for neighbors. As a result, everyone suffers. Traffic congestion increases, and often two vehicles cannot pass each other at the same time. What was meant to serve the whole community becomes a daily struggle for all. This reflects a deeper problem—faith centered on self rather than love. When everyone claims more space for themselves, the common good is lost. Hot and cold faith is willing to give up something so that others may live better. As Christians, we are called to be sacrificial and, in doing so, become useful children of God.
Jesus never intended Christians to be passive followers. Being a Christian is not just about attending church or participating in religious activities. It is about being useful. Every believer is called to contribute—through service, generosity, kindness, responsibility, and love. A healthy church is made of believers who give, not just receive; who serve, not just observe.
Jesus’ words to Laodicea were strong, but they were spoken in love. He did not reject them; instead, He called them to repent, to turn back, and to open the door to Him again. God does not want anyone to perish. He desires His people to live close to Him and to be useful in His world.
Is the water of your life offered to others healing them, refreshing them, or harming them? Jesus calls each of us to reflect personally. May we choose to be what Christ desires—truly hot and cold—bringing healing to the broken, refreshment to the weary, and real life to the world God loves. Be a useful Christian in whatever way you can, by giving, helping, and showing kindness and compassion to others. Be hot and cold
