The signs of losing first love are clear, and this is exactly what was happening at the church in Ephesus. We all go through times when we lose that initial excitement and passion for Jesus. I’ve experienced it, and I’m sure you have too. When a church as a whole starts to reflect this loss, its influence starts to fade, and its spiritual light goes out. The lampstand is removed.
What to Do When You Lose First Love
So, what should we do when we realize we’ve lost that first love? How do we recover? Jesus gives us three simple steps: Remember, Repent, and Return Ephesus Daily Tour.
1. Remember
The first step is to remember. Jesus says, “Remember the height from which you have fallen.” Think back to when you first came to Jesus. Remember the joy and excitement you had when you first experienced His love. Think about how close you felt to Him, and how easy it was to pray and trust in Him during tough times. Recall how much you loved spending time with other Christians, hearing the Word, and learning more about life. Remember how you couldn’t wait to be in church, soaking in all the truth.
Jesus calls us to look back at that time and remember how high and exciting our relationship with Him once was. This will help you see how far you’ve drifted The Power of First Love.
2. Repent
Next, Jesus calls us to repent. Repentance means to change your mind. It means recognizing what has taken the place of Jesus in your heart. Have other things—like pride, the desire for status, or approval from others—taken priority over your love for Jesus? Repent. Let go of the things that have become more important to you than Him. Stop relying on your own knowledge, achievements, or critical spirit. Put Jesus back at the center of your life and work.
Repentance is about turning away from what’s been distracting you and turning back to Jesus.
3. Return
Finally, Jesus says, return. This means to go back to the things you did at first. Start doing the things that helped you feel close to Jesus—praying more, reading the Bible, serving others, and being part of the church community. By returning to these practices, you can restore your relationship with Him and regain your passion.
Personal Reflection
I remember years ago, attending a pastors’ conference at Mt. Hermon. It was a time of personal reflection and renewal. Moments like that remind us of the importance of staying close to Jesus and maintaining our first love.
If you’ve lost your first love, Jesus offers a clear path to recovery. Remember how it felt when you first came to Him. Repent from anything that has replaced Him. And return to the practices that keep you close to Him. By doing this, you can restore your spiritual life and regain your joy in the Lord.
