Read: Revelation 2:1-7
In Revelation 2:1–7, the church in Ephesus is commended for their deeds, hard work, and perseverance. However, they are also reprimanded for having forsaken their first love – their initial deep and passionate love for Christ. This message serves as a poignant reminder for us to evaluate our own spiritual lives, examining whether we have maintained our fervent love for Christ or have allowed it to diminish.
The church in Ephesus was doing many things right, but they had neglected the most important aspect of their faith – their heartfelt devotion to Jesus. This mirrors how, in our lives, amidst the busyness of religious activities, work, and daily routines, our intimate relationship with Christ can unintentionally become secondary.
Maintaining our “first love” for Christ means continually cultivating a deep, personal relationship with Him. It’s about prioritizing our connection with Jesus above all else – not just serving or following Him out of obligation or routine, but out of a genuine affection and desire for His presence in our lives.
To reignite your passion for God, consider the following steps:
Spend Quality Time in Prayer and Scripture: Set aside undistracted time for prayer and reading the Bible. Let these times be more about enjoying God’s presence and less about fulfilling a religious duty.
Reflect on Your Spiritual Journey: Recall your early days of faith – what drew you to Christ, the joy of your salvation, and how you’ve seen God work in your life.
Engage in Worship: Worship can be a powerful way to reconnect with God. This can be through music, art, nature, or any means that helps you express your love and admiration for God.
Seek Fellowship: Being around other passionate believers can reignite your own passion. Share your struggles and seek encouragement and prayer from trusted fellow Christians.
Serve Others: Sometimes, serving others can rekindle our love for God as we see Him work through us to touch others’ lives.
Reflection Questions:
- How does the message to the church in Ephesus relate to abandoning God?
- Are you maintaining your “first love” for Christ, or have you abandoned it for other things?
- How can you reignite your passion for God?