RETURN TO YOUR FIRST LOVE

In the book of Revelation, Jesus had specific messages for each of the seven churches of that time and for all churches throughout the ages. They were letters of commendation and encouragement, but also with warning. Out of the seven churches, two were faithful, while the other five were in danger because of worldly compromise. Jesus begins every letter to the seven churches with “I KNOW” as He knows everything we are doing and not doing. He is aware of all our shortcomings.

In Revelation 2:1-3, Jesus commends the church of Ephesus for its good deeds, hard work, and perseverance. The body of believers could be summed up as religiously and spiritually active, determined, disciplined and discerning. They persevered and were able to endure many hardships for the name of Jesus.

Yet, Jesus says in Revelation 2:4-5 NEVERTHELESS, I have something against you. You have left your first love, your primary love. Repent and remember from where you started. Remember from where you have fallen. As with romantic love between a man and a woman, first love always involves passion! The church at Ephesus did not have a passionate pursuit for an intimate relationship with Jesus. They were merely following a program. Duty had replaced devotion. When Jesus was asked what the greatest commandment was, he replied, “Love God with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength and love your neighbor as

yourself.” (Matthew 22:37-39) Jesus also said, “love each other as I have loved you.” (John 15:12)

As I reflect on my spiritual journey, my mission for 2025 is to go HIGHER. I sense the Spirit of God calling me and all of His people to SPIRITUAL AWAKENING - to  return back to a FIRST LOVE RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS! Meaning, return to a simple, intimate, day-by-day, moment-by-moment walk with Jesus!

The primary goal of our lives should be up-reach, not outreach! I, like many people in the church today, had become busy and mechanical. There is always a tendency to focus on attending church, getting involved with the complexities of church responsibilities, programs, and service. Unknowingly, these things may prevent us from focusing on what really matters: Jesus Christ. It is easy to make the mistake of exchanging love with service and walking in fellowship with the Lord with busyness for the Lord. We need to see ourselves as children of our Heavenly Father first, before we see ourselves as servants.

God loves us with such a radical and unconditional love that He sent His only Son, Jesus, who willingly laid down His life for us. Everything Jesus did was done by love. The Spirit of God wants to awaken fresh love in our hearts, and He continually calls us back to a first love relationship. God desires for us to return that radical love to Him and to love others before ourselves. Jesus died for us, and we should want to live for Him.

The primary pursuit of our lives must be to awaken and be transformed into a vertical, first-love relationship with Jesus. Everything else will flow out of that! Our first works should be fresh communication with God through vertical prayer and worship! My desire is for Jesus to work in our hearts, transforming us, and bringing us into alignment with His ways, so His love will flow from us into the lives of others for the kingdom of God. A renewed love for Jesus inspires a life of kingdom mission and purpose, deeply anchored in faith.

Being a follower and lover of Jesus is 24/7. We are here to bless others, not just give an explanation, but be a living demonstration. My mission in this life is to be used by God to disciple men and women to follow the Lord Jesus Christ. This is the way I say “thank you” to Him for His inexpressibly wonderful gift of salvation for me.