The church in Ephesus did many things right. They worked hard, endured hardship, and stood firm against false teaching. Yet Jesus says to them, “I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first” (Revelation 2:4).
It is possible to stay busy for God while our hearts grow cold toward Him. Service, knowledge, and even faithfulness can slowly replace the warm, personal love that first drew us to Jesus.
Christ does not leave us there. He gives three simple steps. Remember from where you have fallen: recall the joy of first meeting Him. Repent: turn back from whatever has taken His place. Return and do the works you did at first: pray, read His Word, and worship with a fresh heart.
The good news is that His love for us has never cooled. The One who walks among the lampstands is still near, still calling, still faithful. This week, set aside a quiet moment to tell Jesus again that you love Him, and let His first love restore yours.