Message to Ephesus (4)

The Meaning of “First Love”

Just continuing to go through the correct motions of loving and obeying God is insufficient. Jesus expects His followers to zealously conduct their lives in light of the inspiring reward He has in store for them. John wrote, “And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure” (1 John 3:3). How does one purify himself or herself? Just what are the characteristics of a Christian in his or her first love?

One of the first characteristics of Christians in their “first love” of God's truth is their excitement. They equate their calling to this way of life as their pearl of great price (Matthew 13:44-46). Do we view God's truth the same way today? Do we thank God in our prayers today the same way we did when we were first called? Or have you lost your enthusiasm?

Another characteristic of “first love” is a humble, teachable spirit. When God first begins to open our minds to His teachings, we may spend hours reading, studying and asking teachers to explain basic concepts. Christ illustrated this principle when He set a child in the middle of His disciples and told them, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3-4).

But humans are not always teachable. Too often we would rather do things our own way than be taught. In our modern society, it is quite common for people to devise their own doctrinal ideas and practices instead of finding an instructional source where God's Word is taught. When God's people have successfully rejected heresy or been faithful for many years, it is also easy for us to think of ourselves as self-sufficient and no longer in need of being humble or teachable. The apostle Paul provides us an inspiring example of humility and willingness to be critiqued by others.

After 14 years of preaching, Paul went to Jerusalem to have his ministry reviewed by his peers to see if he was doing something wrong. As Paul explained, “Then after an interval of fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem…and I submitted to them the gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but [I did so] in private to those who were of reputation, for fear that I might be running, or had run, in vain” (Galatians 2:1-2, New American Standard ). Are you still willing to be taught by human leaders God has placed within the Church for that purpose (Ephesians 4:11-12; Acts 20:28)?

Another characteristic of people in their “first love” is their eagerness to participate in everything related to the Church. In many cases, members faithfully drove long distances to attend services, mid-week Bible studies, clubs and even socials. Sadly, that level of commitment seems to have disappeared. In some cases, health or other equally valid situations don't permit people to attend and such circumstances are understandable. But it's sad when members, who are capable of attending, choose other options that preclude being with their spiritual family.

Being in one's “first love” is also associated with regular prayer and Bible study. As God began opening our minds, we freely talked with God and it seemed as if those new things jumped off the pages of our Bibles. If we grew up in a Christian home, our conversion may have reflected a deeper appreciation and joy from our biblical studies. Whatever our situation, we took pleasure in our relationship with God through prayer and study.

Our initial relationship with God likely included simple, trusting faith. We committed our problems and wishes to God and expected answers. Does this pure faith remain?

Still another characteristic of those newly called is their love of the brethren. In John 13:34-35 Jesus said, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

From the beginning, it seems we loved everyone and gave everyone the benefit of the doubt. Yet the longer we remain in the Church, the more opportunities we have for anger, grudges and cynicism. Some today seem to be carrying a lot of baggage in these areas. Some distrust organizations, ministers or anyone who tries to approach them with religion. Some blame human mistakes on God instead of realizing all humans will make mistakes. The honorable, godly quest is for humans to strive to do better. We must learn to forgive and be forgiven. Church is a place for people who are striving to continually change and grow into the perfect spiritual family of God.

Still another characteristic of those in their “first love” is their willingness to serve others. From the outset we counted it an honor and privilege to be asked to help. Whether it was passing out songbooks, ushering, parking cars, hall setup, arranging flowers or taking care of a mother's room, we were happy and pleased to be involved. We learned that service is important-service to God and service to our fellow man.

The major admonition of this message to Ephesus is to hold on to our first love. If we have lost it, Jesus tells us to repent and recapture it. This passage also carries the inspiring message that this can be done. Christ would not ask us to do something that is impossible. In order to apply this message, we need to examine ourselves to see if we are maintaining the same excitement, participation, prayer, Bible study, humility, teachable spirit, service and love of our brethren as we had when we were first called. Jesus says, “To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God” (Revelation 2:7). We can do what Adam and Eve failed to do. We can eat from the tree of life.


God bless you all.