RECAPTURE YOUR FIRST LOVE Jesus Christ praised the church in Ephesus for their works, labor, patience and perseverance (Revelation:2:1-3). But He warned, Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love (Revelation:2:4). [1] Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks; [2] I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: [3] And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my names sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted. Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Jesus also warned Christians in the end time, Because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold (Matthew:24:12). This is in stark contrast to the true love Christ said would characterize His Church: By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another (John:13:35). And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. What is first love, and how can seasoned Christians recapture it? How can we have the kind of love Jesus had and not let it grow cold? Here are some biblical tips. A new Christian typically experiences a first love for the truth, eagerly studying Gods Word. What we were learning was so exciting, we would burn the midnight oil to learn more. Christ says the Ephesians had begun with an excitement and love for truth, but internal betrayal and spiritual battles had eroded much of their enthusiasm. So Christ told them, Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works (Revelation:2:5). 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. It is possible to recapture the first love. With prayer and study, the former love for God and His truths can be rekindled. There was a time when David found he had drifted away from God. He no longer felt that former joy hed had. He repented and fervently prayed, Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me by Your generous Spirit (Psalm:51:12). David was reconciled with God, stirred up Gods Spirit and went on to serve Him faithfully and zealously for the rest of his life. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. If we return to a diligent study of the Scriptures and ask God to restore a spiritual hunger for His wonderful truths, God will hear and answer us (Matthew:7:7-8). Then as we study it will be like God is speaking directly to us, and we will be uplifted by the hope that has motivated the faithful down through the centuries. This love for the truth can help us not fall for the lawlessness that abounds in the end time (Matthew:24:12). Staying close to God and stirring up His Spirit will also help us avoid allowing the lawlessness of others to drag us down. [7] Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: [8] For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. God wants us to continue assembling together and considering one another in order to stir up love and good works (Hebrews:10:24-25). Fellowshipping with God and our fellow Christians can help us keep our love from growing cold.
Posted on: Thu, 24 Apr 2014 00:16:53 +0000