Return to the Love you had at first

The overall theme for this month (August) is "God's Holiness and Repentance." One of the clearest marks of a holy life is a deep and genuine love for God.

In Revelation 2:4–5, the Lord Jesus rebuked the church in Ephesus because they had abandoned their first love.

Although they remained active in ministry, defended the truth, and worked diligently for the Lord, their hearts no longer burned with the same love they had when they first came to know Christ.

The same condition can happen in the lives of believers today.

We may faithfully attend worship services, serve in the church, give our offerings, and participate in many spiritual activities.

Yet without realizing it, our personal relationship with God can gradually grow cold.

Prayer becomes routine, Bible reading becomes an obligation, and ministry becomes nothing more than a responsibility.

The hearts that were once filled with gratitude, joy, and a longing for God's presence may slowly be replaced by busyness, weariness, or affection for the things of this world.

God is concerned not only with what we do, but also with why we do it.

He desires that every act of service and obedience flows from a sincere love for Him. True spiritual revival begins when God's people return to loving Him with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength.

1. Holiness flows from our love for God.

When we truly love God, we will desire to live in a way that pleases Him. Obedience is no longer a burden but a loving response to the One who first loved us.

2. Repentance begins by acknowledging that our hearts have drifted away.

Jesus called the church in Ephesus to remember, repent, and return to the things they did at first. God desires His people to return to an intimate relationship with Him.

This passage reveals three important steps for returning to the Lord:

1. Remember the love and spiritual passion you once had.

2. Acknowledge and repent of the attitudes and actions that have drawn you away from God.

3. Return to the practices that strengthen your relationship with Him.

When God's people return to Him with all their hearts, He renews their spiritual lives.

The Lord always opens His arms to those who come to Him with humble hearts and a willingness to change.

Today, let us examine our hearts.

Is our love for God still as strong as when we first came to know Christ?

Do we still seek His presence with deep longing?

If we find that our hearts have grown cold, now is the time to return to Him.

May this devotion serve as a call to every believer, every family, and every church throughout Borneo to renew their love for the Lord.

As we return to our first love, we will experience spiritual renewal that brings glory to God's name.

Share & Discuss :

Is your love for God still as strong as when you first came to know Christ? What practical step can you take this week to deepen your relationship with God?

Share this devotion with your family and friends so that they too may be blessed and renewed in the love of God.