Revelation 2:4–5 “Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works…”
The church at Ephesus was busy, faithful, and doctrinally sound—but something was missing. Jesus didn’t rebuke them for laziness or compromise; He addressed their motivation. They had left their first love. That tells me something important: it is possible to do the right things for the wrong reasons.
I have learned that love for Jesus is what sustains obedience when life gets hard. It’s what keeps us faithful when prayers seem unanswered and service goes unnoticed. When love cools, duty replaces joy, and spiritual life becomes mechanical. But when love is renewed, obedience becomes a response, not a burden.
Jesus asked Peter a simple but piercing question: “Lovest thou me?” He didn’t ask about Peter’s plans, past failures, or future goals—He asked about love. That question still echoes today. Do we love Jesus more than comfort, approval, success, or security? A renewed love for Christ is what keeps us walking in the light, serving together, and moving forward as God’s people.
Scripture Reading: John 21:15–17, 1 John 4:19, Colossians 3:14, 2 Corinthians 5:14