Young People's Group

LEAVING OUR FIRST LOVE

by Pastor Mitch
October 16, 2005

Has Our Love For God Turned Cold?

From time to time, it is good to ask ourselves the question above. We can still serve the Lord but our love for Him has become affected. It can slowly dissipate. In the text of Revelation 2:2, the Lord Jesus spoke about the works of the Ephesian Church.

“I know your works, your labor, your patience and that you cannot bear those who are evil.”
Revelation 2:2

They had sought to work hard for the Lord. They walked in righteousness and were against those who did evil. They persevered despite much suffering. Yet, there was something greatly amiss. They had left their first love.

“Nevertheless, I have this against you, that you have left your first love.”
Revelation 2:4

When people first come to know Jesus, there will normally be that initial vibrant love for Him. There will be that zeal and commitment to serve. However, along the way, that love for the Lord could turn cold Young people, have you left your first love for the Lord?

Returning To Our First Love

If our love for the Lord has turned cold, then, it is time for us to return to Him.

1. Remember What We Used To Do For The Lord

“Remember therefore from where you have fallen”
Revelation 2:5

We must seek to remember all that we used to do for the Lord before our hearts became cold. Do you remember how you used to serve zealously? Let’s seek to jolt our spiritual memory. Let’s recall how we used to love the Lord by in serving Him.

2. Repenting With All Our Heart

“Repent…”
Revelation 2:5

The Lord wants us to repent from our wayward ways. When our hearts turn cold, very often, sin is involved. It is we who have strayed from the Lord. The best response for us is to repent of our sins. Let’s learn to have a penitent heart before the Lord and to renew our love for Him.

3. Returning To What We Used To Do For The Lord

“… and do the first works”
Revelation 2:5

Once we have been restored to the Lord, then we will return to what we used to do for Him and more. We must seek to serve the Lord with a greater sense of zeal. Let’s rededicate ourselves to serving Him.

Being Sensitive To The Spirit’s Voice

“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the Churches.”
Revelation 2:7

The Spirit of the Lord is constantly speaking and prompting the Lord’s Churches. Let’s be sensitive to what the Spirit is saying to us. Let’s respond by renewing our love for God.

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