Return to your first love

Revelation 2:2-4 (KJV) — “I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: and hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name’s sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted. Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.”

The Ephesian church was known for its zeal, hard work, patience, and commitment to truth. They endured trials and laboured for the name of Christ without giving up. Yet, in spite of all these commendable qualities, the Lord pointed out one serious flaw — they had left their first love. Their outward service was intact, but the fire of deep devotion and affection for Christ had waned.

Many believers today can identify with this. We may be active in church, faithful in ministry, and uncompromising in doctrine, yet our hearts may no longer burn with the same passion we once had for Christ. Our worship may feel more like duty than delight, and prayer more like an obligation than communion. The Lord’s concern was not about the absence of works, but the absence of love. For what God desires most is not just our labour, but our love.

Returning to our first love requires honest reflection.

We must remember how it felt when we first encountered God’s grace — when our hearts overflowed with joy, gratitude, and a willingness to give Him everything.

Then, we must repent of allowing other things — whether routine, busyness, or distraction — to replace intimacy with Christ.

Finally, we must return to doing the “first works,” rekindling simple acts of devotion: heartfelt prayer, joyful worship, meditation on His Word, and obedience born out of love.

When love is restored, our service gains eternal value. For without love, all labour is empty; but with love, even the smallest act becomes precious in God’s sight.