and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary.
Revelation 2:3
The word of commendation given to the church in Ephesus serves as a reminder of the importance of perseverance and endurance in the Christian life. Like the Ephesian believers, we are called to remain steadfast in our faith, even when faced with difficulties.
Jesus also issued a warning to the church in Ephesus: “Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love” (Revelation 2:4, NKJV). Despite their commitment to serving God, the Ephesian believers had allowed their love for God to grow cold.
This warning speaks to the danger of becoming so focused on our outward actions and service that we neglect the most important aspect of our relationship with God: our love for Him. Just as a marriage can grow distant, so too can our relationship with God suffer if we neglect to cultivate a deep, passionate love for Him.
Today, let us examine our hearts and consider whether we have left our first love for God. Have we allowed the busyness of life, the cares of this world, or the pursuit of other things to replace our love for Him? If so, let us repent and return to our first love.
May we never grow weary in serving God and laboring for His kingdom, but let us do so out of a heart overflowing with love for Him.
Pray
Lord, forgive me for the times when I have allowed my love for You to grow cold. Renew within me a passion and for Your kingdom, that I may serve You with joy and devotion. Help me to prioritize my relationship with You above all else. In Jesus’ name, amen.
