Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love.
Revelation 2:4 NKJV
Do you recall when you hungered to feast upon the Word of God at length? Do you remember the excitement pumping throughout your body as you shared the gospel with someone? How did it feel when His strength carried you through the impossible?
Do you remember where you met your spouse? What was your first impression? Do you recall the warmth of his hand or the butterflies in your stomach on your first date?
Jesus warned the church at Ephesus that they had left their first love. They were no longer on fire for God. They were going through the motions without passion. They were an active church with programs for the youth, men’s ministry, and women’s ministry. They were a doctrinally sound church, refusing to allow false teachers to spread error. They possessed truth, but they lacked the Spirit.
Let’s understand what “first love is.” It isn’t a person, but it’s a type of passionate love, an intimate relationship. We are on fire for God when we are babes in Christ, but then the honeymoon phase ends, like it ends in our marriages.
Our marriages fall into a frenzy of activity. He’s a good husband and the best father. He keeps the yard looking great. She’s a good wife and mom. Her meals are scrumptious. Yet, the flame has been snuffed out.
Jesus tells us how to reignite our pilot lights, whether it is our passion for God or our spouses. Remember, repent, and repeat.
Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, (Revelation 2:5a NKJV)
You’ve already started walking down memory lane when you answered the above questions. Our thoughts affect our emotions and subsequently our actions. Instead of dwelling on our frustrations and disappointments, recall the excitement of yesteryear.
Next, repent. Why? We are commanded to love God with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength (Matt. 22:37). We are also commanded to love one another, and that includes our spouses (John 13:34-35). Paul wrote:
Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her,
(Ephesians 5:25 NKJV)
When we have fallen away from our first love fire, we have sinned. Repent means to turn around and go back to where we once were.
Finally, we repeat those first deeds of love. Go on a date with your spouse. Dress up for no special occasion. Splash on some perfume.
Remember the early days of salvation. Ask God to kindle that fire. Get back in the Word. Ask God to put that hunger back in your heart and to never quench your thirst for prayer.
If we remember, repent, and repeat, we will be on fire for Jesus and one another.
Lord, Let fresh fire fall on me. Reignite my passion for You and for my spouse. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
DIG DEEPER
Read Revelation 2:1-7
HIKING THE TRAIL
What one thing can you do this week to “repeat the first works” for God? For your spouse?
Overcoming the Overwhelming: Walking in Victorious Faith When You Don’t Feel Victorious – my new 30-day devotional is now available HERE
Originally posted on February 3, 2020 @ 3:00 am