S. Michael Houdmann Supporter Got Questions Ministries

Revelation 2:1-7 contains Jesus' message to the church in Ephesus, the first of seven exhortations to various churches in the Roman Empire. Ephesus had some unique challenges for a Christ-follower ...

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July 01 2013 • 1 response • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jeffrey Johnson Supporter

What does it mean to have left your first love?

"Leaving your first love" (based on Revelation 2:4) refers to a spiritual decline where a believer abandons their initial, passionate devotion to Jesus Christ for a more routine or superficial faith. It means shifting from a heart-driven relationship to mere duty, characterised by waning zeal, reduced intimacy, and decreased obedience.

Causes and Signs

Drifting Away: Gradual apathy rather than sudden rejection of faith.

Self-Righteousness: Becoming more concerned with rules or judging others than in maintaining intimate fellowship.

Spiritual Amnesia: Forgetting the joy and grace found in the initial salvation experience.

Revelation 2:4

"To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: But I have this against thee, that thou didst leave thy first love."

When addressing the first-century Christian congregation in Ephesus, Jesus spoke of "the love you had at first." The Ephesians had many good qualities, yet the love they once manifested for Jehovah had waned. Hence, Jesus told them:

Rev 2: 2-4 ESV: "I know thy works, and thy toil and patience, and that thou canst not bear evil men, and didst try them that call themselves apostles, and they are not, and didst find them false; 3 and thou hast patience and didst bear for my name's sake, and hast not grown weary. 4 But I have this against thee, that thou didst leave thy first love."

The early Christians found "the truth"​—the true Christian faith. (John 18:37) They saw the wonderful light of truth and made the transition from spiritual darkness to illuminating light. With the passage of time, however, the initial enthusiasm and zeal of some Christians cooled. By the end of the first century, for example, a serious problem had developed in the congregation in Ephesus. 

Ephesus was a materialistic place and full of false worship. Likely, some of the Ephesians were affected by the city's commercialism and prosperity. So in vrs 5, these Christians are reminded to do the following.

Vrs 5 ESV, of Rev 2: Jesus tells the congregation, "Remember therefore whence thou art fallen, and repent and do the first."

Christians in Ephesus needed to reawaken their love for God and for the truth.

We ourselves must guard against losing our first love for God. (3 John 3) But what if such things as a desire for material riches or the pursuit of pleasure are becoming paramount in our lives? (1 Timothy 4:8; 6:9, 10) Then we should fervently pray for divine help to replace such inclinations with deep-seated love for God and gratitude for all that he and his Son have done for us.​—1 John 4:10, 16.

Could a similar situation be developing among Christians today?

Such a loss can weaken our relationship with God and must be urgently addressed. How can such love be reinvigorated? By regular Bible study, meeting attendance, prayer, and meditation. (1 John 5:3) True, this takes "earnest effort," but it is surely worth it. (2 Peter 1:5-8) If honest self-examination reveals that our love has cooled off, then correct the situation promptly, in obedience to Jesus' exhortation: "Remember from what you have fallen, and repent and do the former deeds."​—Revelation 2:5.

We can show our own love for Jehovah by praising his name in the Christian Ministry. Psalm 145:10-13 ESV: "10 All thy works shall give thanks unto thee, O Jehovah; And thy saints shall bless thee. 11 They shall speak of the glory of thy kingdom, And talk of thy power; 12To make known to the sons of men his mighty acts, And the glory of the majesty of his kingdom. 13 Thy kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, And thy dominion endureth throughout all generations."

By following this scriptural advice, our words and actions may greatly strengthen our first love.

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