Finding the Love You Lost

But I have this against you: you have abandoned the love [you had] at first. - Revelation 2:4

This is the standard translation of this passage (part of the letter to the Church at Ephesus), meaning, "You have lost your first love." The Parole de Vie (a French translation that I have used in the past) gives the same meaning; however, the words are a little different. It reads, "You don't love me as you did in the beginning." Though this is an alternate reading, I still think it is true to the text. It makes it clear that the object of our love should be Christ and that this love should be our highest priority.

So, do you love Jesus like you used to?

Your answer is very important to the future vitality of your spiritual life. If you do not love Jesus like you used to, then the problem can probably be traced to one thing, your obedience. In the beginning (of your walk with Christ) you were completely obedient. Your "Yes" was unconditional. Could it be that you have allowed some "No's" to creep into your life? If so, then it is clear, you just don't love Him like you used to.

So, repent. Begin once again to say, "Yes" to all He asks and you will find yourself loving Christ as you did in the beginning, and you will then certainly find the "first-love" that you lost.

For it was not into my ear you whispered, but into my heart. It was not my lips you kissed, but my soul. - Judy Garland