RECLAIMING YOUR 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.”
— Revelation 2:5
In His letter to the church at Ephesus, Jesus lovingly acknowledges their labor, sound doctrine, and perseverance. Yet He issues a sobering rebuke: “You have left your first love.” This reveals a powerful truth, spiritual activity, no matter how orthodox or impressive, is empty without a fervent, personal love for Christ.
The same Jesus speaks to us today, not with condemnation, but with mercy offering a clear pathway back to intimacy, vitality, and restored devotion.
I. Remember Your Spiritual Passion
“Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen.”
Christ’s first instruction is to remember. We are called to honestly recall the early days of our walk with God the joy of salvation, hunger for His Word, freedom in prayer, and sincere love for others. This is not nostalgia; it is spiritual diagnosis. Remembering helps us recognize how far we may have drifted.
“And thou shalt remember all the way which the LORD thy God led thee…”
— Deuteronomy 8:2
II. Repent of Your Heart’s Drift
“Repent…”
Repentance is a change of mind that produces a change of direction. It is acknowledging that leaving our first love is not a minor issue or a natural phase, but a serious spiritual loss. Repentance calls us to turn away from cold religiosity, unholy compromise, spiritual distractions, self-reliance, and secret sins that have replaced wholehearted devotion to Christ.
“Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out…”
— Acts 3:19
III. Return to Your First Works
“…and do the first works.”
Love is expressed through action. Jesus calls us back to the practices that once flowed naturally from our love for Him heartfelt worship, eager fellowship, sacrificial service, bold witness, and consistent prayer. We do not work to earn His love; we return to these works because love has been restored.
“Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you…”
— James 4:8
IV. Heed the Warning of Lost Light
“Or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.”
The candlestick represents identity, witness, and divine assignment. A church or believer can be active yet ineffective if love for Christ is lost. Loveless Christianity risks spiritual irrelevance. This warning, though severe, is also grace-filled. Jesus offers the opportunity to repent and restore our witness before the light dims.
“He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.”
— John 15:5
Christ’s words are not final condemnation, but a loving summons. He who walks among the candlesticks is calling you today. Will you remember, repent, and return?
Your first love has not disappeared it is waiting.
Come home.
WHAT AN INVITATION!!!
PRAYER
Father, in the name of Jesus, I come before You with humility and honesty. I acknowledge that my heart has drifted and my devotion has cooled. Forgive me for allowing busyness, routine, and distractions to replace intimacy with You. Today, I remember where You brought me from, and I repent of every step away from my first love. Restore in me a pure heart, renew my passion for Your presence, and rekindle my hunger for Your Word. I return to You fully spirit, soul, and body. Let my life burn again with love for You, that I may shine Your light faithfully. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
DECLARATIONS
• I return to my first love with a whole heart.
• My passion for Christ is renewed and restored.
• I reject cold religiosity and embrace living intimacy with God.
• I abide in Christ, and I bear much fruit.
• My light will not be extinguished; I shine for His glory.
• I walk in repentance, obedience, and fervent love.
Amen.
