THE LOSS OF FIRST LOVE

 

Revelation 2 v 4 and 5: "I know your conduct, the pain you take and your perseverance. I know you can't stand the bad guys: you've put to the test those who claim to be apostles and who are naretos, and you've noticed that they're lying. You have perseverance, you have suffered because of me and you have not got enough. However, I have one complaint to make you: you have given up the love you had at the beginning. Will! Remember where you fell from! Change and go back to your first line! If not, I will come to you, and I will take your candlestick out of its place if you don't change."

At the beginning of spiritual life, we are "in love" with the Lord, but over time, we may attract ourselves, what a pity!

 The loss of first love affects relationships: With God, with the church, with the family.

Why do we lose our first love?

This may be the consequence of: Disobedience - No longer reading the Bible - Do not pray - Do not testify - Do not have church life... But no longer feeling our immense need for God is the fundamental cause of the loss of our first love. We converted because we needed God. Revelation 3 v 17.

Evidence of the loss of our first love:

1) I experience more pleasure with another than with God (Mark 12 v 30).

2) I have lost the thirst of God (prayer, Bible) (Psalms 42 v 1 and 2).

3) In my spare time, my thoughts are not directed towards God (Col 3 v 1 - 2).

4) I do not joyfully contribute to God's work or to the needs of others (1 John 3 v 17).

5) I excuse my weakness (James 4 v 8 to 10).

6) I no longer show love for others (1 John 4 v 20 to 25)

7) I no longer take the commandments of Christ as the expression of his love but as restrictions (John 14 v 21).

8) I seek the approval of men (Galates 1 v 10).

9) For fear of men, I do not testify (Matthew 10 v 32 and 33).

10) I refuse the reprimand (Proverb 15 v 32).

11) I refuse to give up an activity that offends a weaker brother (Romans 14 v 15).

12) I tolerate my sins, and the sins that surround me (Matthew 24 v 12).

13) I cannot forgive the one who offended me (Matthew 18 v 21 - 22).

14) I am afraid of losing my material possessions (Proverbs 30 v 8 and 9).

15) I attend less meetings with my brothers and sisters (Hebrews 10 v 25).


The breath that revives the flame of First Love

God asks us for obedience and holiness. "Therefore, ensign the kidneys of your understanding, be sober, and have complete hope in the grace that will be brought to you when Jesus Christ appears.                                                 

Like obedient children, do not conform to the lusts you once had, when you were in ignorance. But since the one who called you is holy, you too are holy in all your conduct, as it is written: You will be holy, for I am holy. (1 Peter 1 v 14 to 16).

The words of Satan - Obey by his own forces (legalism) - Reject the commandments on the pretext that one is under grace (liberalism).

It is a supernatural realization that comes from the Spirit of God: Asking every day for Grace (desire and strength) to put into practice his Word.

"I say, then, "Walk according to the Spirit, and you will not fulfill the desires of the flesh." Galatians 5 v 16

Defeats make us more aware of our indignity and our need for God.

"Without me, you can't do anything" John 15 v 5.



Personal matters               

Ø  Have you lost your first love for the Lord?

Ø  If so, do you know the cause of this loss?

Ø  How do I find him?

Ø  How can I stay in love with the Lord ?

 

Contacts : pierredanis@orange.fr

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