‘You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary. Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love'” (Rev. 2:2-4).
The Christians in Ephesus weren’t bad people. They opposed wickedness; they tested all teaching with the truth of God’s Word; and they refused to give up under persecution. From outward appearances these people would be considered solid Christians–and they were. Yet, Jesus said, “You have forsaken your first love.”
If you can identify with these solid believers, then this Scripture passage gives three simple keys that can help you rekindle your passion for Jesus.
- Remember. Think back to the former days when you enjoyed the sweetness of Jesus’ presence and favor.
- Repent. In prayer, confess that you have allowed yourself to stray from your first love. Ask for forgiveness, and choose to turn around and return to Jesus.
- Repeat. Do again those simple things you did to cultivate your relationship with Jesus. Read your Bible and spend consistent quality time with Him in worship, prayer and meditation. Remember He likes you, He longs for you–in spite of your shortcomings and sin.
Respond to Jesus. Be motivated not by guilt and pressure but by His deep-seated, passionate devotion to you! “We love [Him] because He first loved us,” John says (1 John 4:19). What a joy it is to rediscover Jesus and be rekindled in bridal affection for Him as the “Lover of our soul.”
Larry Tomczak is the director of I.C.E.C.A.P. (International Center for Evangelism, Church-planting And Prayer) and has 4 children. Larry and his wife Doris live in Nashville, Tenn.
