Return To Your First Love

RETURN TO YOUR FIRST LOVE

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Revelation 2:4-5

Supporting Texts: Matthew 22:37-38, Jeremiah 2:2, Hosea 6:1, Luke 15:17-20, James 4:8

INTRODUCTION

One of the greatest dangers in the Christian journey is losing our first love for God. In Revelation 2:4-5, Jesus rebuked the church in Ephesus for forsaking their first love. Despite their hard work and endurance, they had lost the deep passion and devotion they once had for Him. This warning remains relevant today as many believers gradually drift from their initial zeal for God.

First love represents the pure, passionate, and undistracted devotion we had for Christ when we first encountered Him. It is the love that drives us to pray fervently, serve joyfully, and hunger for His presence. However, the pressures of life, distractions, and compromises can cause this love to fade. When our spiritual fire grows cold, we must return to our first love before it is too late.

This sermon will explore the signs of lost first love, the dangers of spiritual decline, and how to rekindle our passion for God.

1. SIGNS THAT FIRST LOVE IS LOST

a) Prayerlessness and lack of intimacy with God (Luke 18:1)

When we love someone, we desire to communicate with them. A declining prayer life is a sign of lost passion for God.

b) Neglect of God’s Word (Psalm 119:11)

First love is marked by a hunger for the Word. When Bible reading becomes a burden, spiritual decline has set in.

c) Loss of passion for evangelism and soul-winning (Matthew 28:19-20)

When we truly love Jesus, we want others to know Him. A lack of desire to share the Gospel signals a cooling heart.

d) Increased tolerance of sin and compromise (1 John 2:15-16)

A heart that is losing its first love becomes comfortable with worldly pleasures and sinful habits.

e) Biblical Example: The Prodigal Son (Luke 15:17-20)

The prodigal son left his father’s house and lost his relationship, but when he realised his mistake, he returned home.

2. DANGERS OF LOSING FIRST LOVE

a) Spiritual dryness and lack of joy (Psalm 51:12)

When love for God fades, joy and spiritual satisfaction disappear.

b) Weakness in spiritual battles (Ephesians 6:10-12)

A believer without passion for God becomes weak against the enemy’s attacks.

c) Risk of being separated from God’s presence (Isaiah 59:2)

Sin and complacency create a gap between us and God.

d) Becoming lukewarm and unfruitful (Revelation 3:15-16)

God detests lukewarmness. When love grows cold, spiritual fruitfulness declines.

e) Biblical Example: Samson’s Loss of Strength (Judges 16:20-21)

Samson lost his strength because he drifted from God’s path.

3. HOW TO RETURN TO YOUR FIRST LOVE

a) Remember where you have fallen (Revelation 2:5)

Acknowledge your spiritual decline and reflect on where you lost your passion.

b) Repent and seek God’s mercy (Hosea 6:1)

True repentance restores a broken relationship with God.

c) Return to prayer and fellowship with God (James 4:8)

Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.

d) Rekindle your hunger for God’s Word (Jeremiah 15:16)

Commit to studying and meditating on Scripture daily.

e) Biblical Example: King David’s Repentance (Psalm 51:10-12)

David cried out for God to restore the joy of his salvation after he strayed.

CONCLUSION

Losing our first love for God is a serious spiritual danger, but His mercy is always available to restore us. If we find ourselves distant from Him, we must take urgent steps to return before our hearts grow completely cold. The Lord is calling us back to a passionate and intimate relationship with Him.

Let us not allow distractions, trials, or worldly pleasures to take the place of God in our hearts. May we return to our first love and serve Him with renewed zeal, just as we did at the beginning of our faith journey.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Lord, forgive me for any way I have drifted from You.

2. Father, restore my passion and love for You.

3. Let every spiritual dryness in my life be replaced with fresh fire.

4. Lord, give me a deep hunger for prayer and Your Word.

5. Revive my heart and set me on fire for You again.