The Love You Had at First

Day 344: Revelation 2:1-17

“But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first.” - Revelation 2:4

Our first loves tend to fade with time. Do you remember the first time you held hands with your first love? The nerves, the sweaty palms, the excitement. Yet, what do we do after it's been 45 years? The same is true when it comes to our relationship with Jesus. If we don't intentionally remind ourselves why we fell in love initially, we are certain to forget what it was like.

I am reminded of a verse we read not too long ago in our reading plan: "But grow in the grace and the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." - 2 Peter 3:18

We are not saved to settle. We are saved to seek.

You may be asking how it turned out for this church in Ephesus that was in danger of losing its lampstand. How did they respond to Jesus' challenge? Unfortunately, the word of warning has come to fruition, as there is no Church in Ephesus today. The entire ancient city lies in ruins.

Ephesus wasn't always this way, losing focus on their first love. Their elders were the ones who Paul requested to come and pray with him, and he gave them a personal message of encouragement (see Acts 20:17-38). Over time their faith in Jesus became rigid and cold (but their theology was strong).

Don't let your love for Jesus fade. Consistently seek His face today and every day. Surround yourself with like-minded Christians who will help protect that same love.

“Forsaken (aphēkes) is a strong term; they had completely abandoned their first fine flush of enthusiastic love. They had yielded to the temptation, ever present to Christians, to put all their emphasis on sound teaching. In the process they lost love, without which all else is nothing.” - Morris, L. (1987). Revelation: An introduction and Commentary (Vol. 20, p. 65)