Letters to a Lost Love 💔

The Letter to a Lost Love: When Duty Replaces Devotion

Revelation 2:1–7

Imagine being part of a church founded by Paul, taught by Timothy, and pastored by John. Sounds like a dream team, right? That was the church in Ephesus—a community rooted in sound doctrine, known for perseverance, and unwavering in their stand for truth. Yet even this spiritually rich church received a sobering word from Jesus:

“You have forsaken the love you had at first.” (Rev. 2:4)

How could this happen? How could a church so strong in faith, fall out of love?

The answer lies in a reality that still plagues many believers today: we can get so caught up in doing for Jesus that we forget to be with Jesus. Like the Ephesians, we might fight for what’s right, serve faithfully, and uphold truth, but if love for Jesus is no longer at the center—something critical has been lost.

You Always Lose When You Leave

Whenever you leave, you lose.

Leave the gym—lose your strength.

Leave your marriage—lose intimacy.

Leave purity—lose power.

Leave prayer—lose His presence.

And spiritually? Leave your first love—and you’ll lose your fire.

Like Samson, Judas, Solomon, and Saul—each one left something sacred and lost something eternal. The loss of first love is rarely loud; it’s a slow fade. You don’t reject Jesus; you just rearrange Him.

Jesus-AND: The Silent Killer

Many today aren’t walking away from Jesus—they’re adding to Him.

Jesus-AND my plans.

Jesus-AND my preferences.

Jesus-AND comfort.

But Jesus isn’t a side hustle. He’s not background noise. He’s not content being one of many—He’s the One and Only.

This is the spirit of idolatry. Not golden calves, but subtle distractions. “Just one more episode” discipling your soul. A schedule that treats Jesus like an accessory, not the anchor.

The Call to Return

Jesus doesn’t confront to condemn—He calls to restore:

“Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first.” (Rev. 2:5)

This is the invitation: Return to your first love.

Do you remember when you used to cry in worship, not because you needed a miracle, but because His presence was enough? When you woke up eager to pray, not out of duty but delight?

That’s the fire Jesus wants to reignite. And you’re the keeper of that flame.

Audit. Reprioritize. Return.

1. Audit your affections: What do you love most right now?

2. Reprioritize your schedule: Does your time reflect Jesus as first love or final thought?

3. Return to your roots: Reclaim those moments of simple, surrendered worship.

The church in Ephesus had structure without surrender. Labor without love. Duty without delight. But Jesus is calling His bride—not His employee.

Let’s not be busy for Jesus but barren with Him.

God doesn’t want more of your energy—He wants more of your intimacy.

If we will intercede, God will intervene. The revival you long for starts not with programs but with passion. Not with activity, but with affection.

Return to your first love.