Departure from First Love

"Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love." - Revelation 2:4

    Departure from first love was the characteristic feature in Ephesus. The grip of faith may loosen its grasp by self-occupation. The brightness of testimony may be tarnished by the breath of this world. The bloom of consecration may be rubbed off by the hand of inconsistency. The voice of prayer may be hushed by the paralysis of doubt. The cord of unity may be snapped by the force of discord and neglect of the means of grace.

    The Ephesian church was condemned for leaving her first love (Rev. 2:4). The word for "left" (aphiemi) is a strong word in the Greek. It means to leave, depart from, leave remaining, alone, or forsake. In spite of all their fidelity and endurance, Christ lamented the Ephesians' departure from first love. The Greek word for "first" is protos, which means to hold the first place or to have the preeminence. The Lord was not speaking of first in point of time but first in quality. This word is used of the "best" robe placed on the returned prodigal son (Luke 15:22).

    The saint's first love was when Jesus Christ was held in affection and the believers abiding in Him were engaged in the activities to which His love gave impulse. First love is not the brightness and zeal which may be found in young converts. The love of young Christians has not been matured by trials. Young converts are zealous, but their zeal is seldom based on knowledge. If love is genuine between a man and his wife, the number of trials through which they go strengthens their love for one another. Quality love is always motivated by the love of God which has been shed abroad in the heart (Rom. 5:5). It is not merely loyalty to the church or the pastor but loyalty to Jesus Christ.

    Believers cannot fall away from the love of God which has been shed abroad in the heart by the regenerating Spirit. But they can and do depart from the enjoyment of the blessings they have in Jesus Christ. Coldness does not begin on God's side. It begins on our side. A church can be as sound in doctrine, faithful in discipline, and active in deeds as Ephesus was without the motivating power of quality love.