Dear Church,
When the Lord wrote to the church in Ephesus through John, He said something both sobering and tender:
“I know your works, your labor, your patience… and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary. Nevertheless, I have this against you, that you have left your first love.” (Revelation 2:2–4)
Those words cut deep because they describe a church that was doing nearly everything right – at least outwardly. Their doctrine was sound. Their endurance was impressive. Their commitment to truth was unquestioned. But their hearts had grown cold.
It’s possible to be busy for the Lord and yet be far from Him in spirit. We can teach the right doctrines, sing the right songs, oppose the wrong things – and still lose that spark that once made our faith alive and joyful. We can start serving out of habit instead of love. We can pray with our lips while our hearts are miles away.
Our first love isn’t about emotion – it’s about devotion. It’s the deep affection and gratitude we felt when we first realized how much grace God had shown us. It’s the awe we had when we understood that Christ really died for me. That love moves us to obey because we want to obey the one who saves us.
When that love fades, everything else follows. Worship becomes routine. Service becomes duty. Fellowship becomes formality. And truth, though still true, begins to sound hollow because the heart that once burned for Christ is now just smoldering.
So, what do we do? Jesus told Ephesus exactly what to do:
“Remember… repent… and do the first works.” (Revelation 2:5)
Remember, think back to the joy of your salvation. Repent, admit where the fire has dimmed. Do the first works, return to the simple, genuine acts of love that once came so naturally: prayer, forgiveness, encouragement, gratitude, humility.
Dear church, let’s not become so busy doing the work of the Lord that we forget the Lord of the work. Let’s not grow so confident in what we know that we lose sight of Who we know. Let’s rekindle the flame – not through emotion alone, but through renewed focus on Christ Himself.
If we remember our first love, everything else will find its rightful place. When love for Christ burns bright again, truth will be defended with grace, service will be offered with joy, and worship will once more overflow from grateful hearts.