READING: Hosea 5-8, Revelation 2
“But I have this against you: You have abandoned the love you had at first.”
Revelation 2:4
I wonder how much I love God. What do my emotions suggest? What do my actions show?
And then, I also wonder if I love God as much as I always have. I know I’ve had times when my emotional connection with God seemed stronger. I’m also aware that sometimes some of my actions—particularly, my fervor for evangelism—have more obviously illustrated my love for God. Every time I read Jesus’ letter to the church at Ephesus in Revelation 2, I can’t help but ask the tough question, “Have I in any way lost my first love for Jesus?”
See, the church at Ephesus had indeed been faithful to God. They labored for God, endured much in His work, stood against evil, tested and confirmed apostles, and did not grow weary in their service. Something had happened, though. In their striving for doctrinal fidelity and faithful endurance, Jesus still said to them, “But I have this against you: You have abandoned the love you had at first” (Rev. 2:4).
Perhaps their orthodoxy had become cold and stale. They could make a strong argument, but they had lost their passion for Christ. Some scholars believe they may have lost their love for each other—particularly when we remember that we cannot separate our love for God from our love for brothers and sisters. Whatever the specific condition of their soul was, Jesus commanded them to “repent, and do the works you did at first” (Rev. 2:5). He demanded that they love Him like they first did.
That command has not changed for us today if we’ve lost our first love.
ACTION STEPS:
- Do an honest evaluation of your love for God. Was it stronger in the past?
- Ask God to help you love Him more than you ever have in the past.
PRAYER: “God, turn my heart to You like never before. Forgive me when I walk away from my first love for You and Your people.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Hosea 9-11, Revelation 3