Returning to Your First Love: Rekindling Our Passion for Christ

The phrase "return to your first love" comes from Jesus’ message to the church in Ephesus in the Book of Revelation. It is a powerful call to renew our relationship with Christ and recapture the passion, devotion, and zeal we once had when we first believed.

Biblical Context: Revelation 2:4-5

Jesus praises the church in Ephesus for their works, perseverance, and rejection of evil, but He rebukes them for losing their first love:

  • “But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent.” (Revelation 2:4-5, ESV)

The "first love" refers to the early fervor and wholehearted devotion to Christ that often marks the beginning of a believer’s journey.

Signs You’ve Lost Your First Love

  1. Spiritual Apathy: You go through the motions of Christian living without passion or joy.
  2. Priorities Shift: Worldly concerns or personal ambitions overshadow your relationship with Christ.
  3. Routine Worship: Prayer, Bible reading, and church attendance feel like obligations rather than acts of love.
  4. Lack of Evangelism: The desire to share the gospel fades.

Steps to Return to Your First Love

1. Remember Where You Fell

  • Reflect on the depth of your love and devotion when you first came to Christ. Recall the joy and excitement of knowing Him.
  • “Remember therefore from where you have fallen.” (Revelation 2:5a)

2. Repent of Spiritual Neglect

  • Acknowledge where your heart has grown cold or distracted and turn back to God in humility.
  • “Repent, and do the works you did at first.” (Revelation 2:5b)
  • “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)

3. Reignite Your Passion for Christ

  • Spend intentional time in prayer, asking God to renew your love for Him.
  • Meditate on His Word and reflect on His sacrifice, grace, and faithfulness.
  • “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” (Psalm 51:10)

4. Prioritize Your Relationship with God

  • Make Christ the center of your life again. Avoid distractions that pull you away from Him.
  • “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33)

5. Return to Acts of Love

  • Revisit the practices that once drew you closer to God, like serving others, sharing the gospel, and spending time in worship.
  • “Do the works you did at first.” (Revelation 2:5)

Why Returning to Your First Love Matters

Losing our first love for Christ can lead to spiritual stagnation and disconnection from God. Returning to Him restores joy, purpose, and intimacy. It also strengthens our witness to the world, as our love for Jesus overflows into our actions and relationships.

Reflection Questions

  1. What distractions or habits have drawn you away from your first love for Christ?
  2. How can you intentionally prioritize your relationship with Him this week?
  3. What "first works" can you begin again to reignite your passion for the Lord?

Closing Prayer

Abba Father, in the name of Jesus, we humbly come before You, acknowledging where our hearts have grown cold. Forgive us for neglecting our first love for You. Create in us a clean heart and renew a steadfast spirit within us. Help us to seek You passionately, worship You wholeheartedly, and love You with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. Draw us closer to You each day, and let our lives glorify You. In the almighty name of Jesus, Amen.

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