This happens quite often in relationships. We become bored, angry, and selfish.
We forget the first time we met. We forget how much we had in common. We forget how we fought long and hard to keep it fresh. We forget how happy we were. If we’re married, we forget the vows we made. Quite frankly, we lose interest altogether.
This is what happened in the church of Ephesus; the Bible says they lost their first love. The Lord Jesus, in Revelation chapter 2 tells the apostle John to write these things about this particular church.
“I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. You have tested false religious leaders and have found them to be liars. You have persevered and have not become weary for my name’s sake.” (Revelation 2:2-3)
That all sounds great, doesn’t it? The Lord saw the works, patience, abhorrence of evil, and the perseverance of this wonderful church. I’m sure He was happy about it. But then, He says,
“I have this against you. You have left your first love. Remember from where you have fallen, repent, and do the first works, or else I will remove your lampstand from its place.” (Revelation 2:4-6)
I feel awful when someone has something against me, but Jesus?
After what He has done?
Have I lost my first love? Have you?
How did we let that happen?
What do we do to fix it?
According to Pastor David Jeremiah, it is necessary that in order for a relationship to be restored, we remember. How was it when you were first saved? Do you remember when you used to tell others about Him? Do you recall how you used to pray to Him for your needs? Has this all gone sour? Have you stopped relying on Him? Is He no longer a part of your life?
After remembering, and hopefully, after feeling true remorse for your failures, Dr. Jeremiah says you must repent. That is, you must turn from your present behavior and go in the opposite direction, no matter the cost. You must choose. Change your mind and reverse your course. Return to the Lord. He is there with open arms.
It is necessary after remembering and repenting that you repeat the actions you had at first. In the beginning, you were thrilled with your new life. You became a follower of Christ and lived according to His ways. You trusted Him. You obeyed His commands. It wasn’t a feeling. It was a choice. If you wait to feel good about it, you’ll never return. The feelings will come after the choice is made to repent. We can trust that our choice to obey the “first works” will be followed by a return to our first love.
And won’t this be worth it all?
“And he who overcomes, I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God.” (Revelation 2:7)
If, after reading this portion, you feel you’ve never loved in the first place, now is the time to make the decision. Don’t wait a moment longer.
