Who is your first love?

(Revelations 2: 1 – 7) Isn't it just like the Lord to love on and complement you before He reveals issues that need attention? Here the church of Ephesus had done some remarkable things for the Lord and His Kingdom, but they had abandoned their first love, Jesus (v.4). We can remain obedient to God and labor in His love, yet the motivation of our works can be more out of Christian responsibility rather than intimacy for Christ. So, what is the solution? “Remember therefore from where you have fallen; Repent and do the first works” (v.5). It's kind of like before you got married. When you were dating your spouse, you would do anything for them. Why? You were head over heels in love with him/her. Do you remember when you first fell in love with Jesus? Same thing, you would do anything for Him no questions asked. You were in love with the One Who laid down His life for you, forgave you and set you free. Brothers and sisters in Christ, the Christian walk is a love affair between the Creator and His prize creation... mankind. Let's face it, we love Him, only because He first loved us (1 John 4:19). This principle/lifestyle is never ending. Basically, there are only two commandments 1) Love God and 2) Love man. And it must be in that order. His love has been shed abroad in our hearts, so we can accomplish this without excuse (Romans 5:5). I challenge you this week to reflect on when you first received Jesus and your unconditional love for Him. Then what the Lord assigns you will not be out of duty, but it will flow from your first love in faith which is energized and expressed through your love for Him (Galatians 5:6). “Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed upon us, that we should be called children of God”!! (1 John 3:1b).