RETURNING TO YOUR FIRST LOVE
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Revelation 2:4-5
"Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent."
Supporting Texts: Matthew 22:37-38, Jeremiah 2:2-5, Psalm 51:10-12, Luke 10:38-42, Hosea 6:1-3
INTRODUCTION
The Christian life begins with a deep and passionate love for God, but over time, distractions, trials, and worldly pursuits can cause believers to drift away from that initial devotion. In Revelation 2:4-5, Jesus rebuked the church in Ephesus for abandoning their first love and called them to repentance.
Many believers today find themselves in a place where their love for God has grown cold. They still go through religious motions, but the fire of intimacy and devotion has diminished. This message is a call to return to that first love, rekindle our passion for Christ, and restore the joy of our salvation.
1. WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO LOSE YOUR FIRST LOVE?
Losing one's first love is not just about backsliding but also about losing the passion, intimacy, and devotion we once had for God.
a) Declining passion for prayer and worship – When love for God fades, spending time in His presence becomes a struggle (Psalm 63:1-2).
b) Serving without true devotion – Many continue in ministry and religious activities but without heartfelt love (Isaiah 29:13).
c) Compromise with sin and worldliness – A loss of first love leads to spiritual tolerance of sin (James 4:4).
d) Lack of hunger for God's Word – When first love is lost, the Bible becomes just another book rather than a source of life (Job 23:12).
e) Biblical Example: The Church in Ephesus – They were commended for their works but rebuked for losing their passionate love for Christ (Revelation 2:4-5).
2. SIGNS THAT YOU HAVE LEFT YOUR FIRST LOVE
A believer may still be active in church yet have drifted from their first love without realising it.
a) Prayerlessness and spiritual dryness – A person who has lost their first love finds it difficult to pray and connect with God (Luke 18:1).
b) Loss of joy and excitement in God's presence – Worship and devotion become a routine rather than a delight (Psalm 51:12).
c) Prioritising other things over God – When personal ambitions, relationships, or material things take God's place, love for Him diminishes (Matthew 6:33).
d) Diminished sensitivity to the Holy Spirit – A loss of first love makes the heart less responsive to God’s voice (1 Timothy 4:1-2).
e) Biblical Example: Martha’s Distraction – Martha was busy serving but neglected the most important thing—intimacy with Jesus (Luke 10:38-42).
3. HOW TO RETURN TO YOUR FIRST LOVE
Returning to your first love requires intentional repentance and a fresh pursuit of God.
a) Remember where you fell – Reflect on where and how your passion for God began to decline (Lamentations 3:40).
b) Repent and ask for renewal – Genuine repentance restores the joy of salvation and rekindles love for God (Acts 3:19).
c) Return to consistent fellowship with God – Regular prayer, worship, and Bible study rekindle the fire of intimacy (Jeremiah 29:13).
d) Prioritise God above all else – Make God the centre of your life and remove distractions that hinder your devotion (Colossians 3:1-2).
e) Biblical Example: David’s Cry for Restoration – After realising his spiritual decline, David prayed for God to renew a right spirit within him (Psalm 51:10-12).
CONCLUSION
God desires that we remain passionately in love with Him. The warning to the church in Ephesus serves as a reminder that good works and religious activities are not enough—our love for God must remain fresh and vibrant.
If your love for God has grown cold, now is the time to return to Him. He is calling you to repentance, restoration, and a deeper relationship. Don’t settle for a lukewarm Christian life; seek a fresh revival of your love for Christ today!
PRAYER POINTS
1. Lord, restore my first love and rekindle my passion for You.
2. Father, remove every distraction that has taken my focus away from You.
3. Holy Spirit, revive my hunger for prayer, worship, and Your Word.
4. Lord, renew a right spirit within me and restore the joy of my salvation.
5. Father, set my heart on fire for You again.
