When two individuals fall in love, their hearts are full and their lives feel brighter. They’re filled with excitement, purpose, and a burning passion to walk through life together. Now, imagine that same kind of love for God—vibrant, alive, and ready to take on any challenge, fueled by the fire of your love for Him and His presence.
Over time, life dims that initial excitement. Busy schedules distract us. Homework causes us to forget. Chores pile up at home. The kids’ activities take over our calendars. Work becomes a priority in our minds. But, do you remember the love you felt for Christ when He first saved you? Have you nurtured and fostered that love, or have you gotten saved and gotten over it?
In Revelation 2:1-7, the Apostle John writes to the Church in Ephesus about what they were missing. You see– the Church in Ephesus wasn’t lazy. They were faithful to Truth, and they were vibrant with belief (Revelation 2:2-3). So, what could they be missing? God used the Apostle John to write this:
“But I have this against you,
that you have abandoned the love you had at first.”
The Ephesians appeared to do everything right in believing and remaining faithful to the Truth, but they had neglected the love they once had for Christ above all else. This isn’t just a message for the Ephesians back in their day, but even more applicable for us today. You do all of the godly things– go to church, serve, read your Bible– but love has to be what drives all that you do for His name.
Here are 4 ways you can Return to the Love You Had at First:
- The Discipline to Remember (Revelation 2:5a)
We can enjoy the blessings of God and forget the Blesser who is God. It requires discipline to remember how lost you were when the Lord saved you. In this part of the verse, John challenges the Church in Ephesus to remember, specifically, from where they had fallen. Where had you fallen before Jesus picked you up and gave you life in Him? Discipline your mind, heart, and soul to meditate on how Jesus transformed your life completely. Psalm 143:5 says, “I remember the days of old; I meditate on all that you have done; I ponder the work of your hands.” Remember the moment you first encountered His grace, and the loving sacrifice Jesus gave on your behalf. Never get over how He transformed your life.
- The Decision to Repent (Revelation 2:5b)
There is a clear call in Revelation 2:5b to repent. The biblical version of love– walking in love, with Love Himself (1 John 4:16)– is a decision you have to make. But in this passage, we are called to repent. Repentance is turning away from sin. Turn away from walking through another day, forgetting the magnitude of how Jesus saved you. Jude 20-21 says this:
But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life.
Refuse to be like the Church in Ephesus– vibrant with belief yet they had forgotten their love for Christ. Be determined to walk in love in your faith. Stand firm and refuse to walk with the Lord without love.
- The Diligence to Return (Revelation 2:5c)
Be diligent to return back to the basics of what you know– the basics of the Gospel. Jesus came, lived, died, and resurrected for the remission of our sin (Luke 24:46-47). There are 6 practical ways that you can actively go back to how you walked with God when He first saved you.
- Be with Him.
- Dwell on the Gospel.
- Personally worship.
- Be with new believers.
- Bless others with love.
- Guard your eyes and mind from worldly things.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
- The Danger of Removal (Revelation 2:5d)
There is a danger of removal with a love that is abandoned. In the last part of verse 5, the lampstand represents a thriving, living church that stands before the Lord. A church risks this removal when it solely focuses on perfecting systems, processes, programs, and principles, and neglects truly loving Him and loving one another. Any church that misses or leaves behind the love of God and His people risks the removal from God’s presence, power and blessing.
Return to the exciting and overwhelming love that you had when you got saved. Remember your first love, and let that love drive all that you do for His name and His glory.
