So far in this series, the labour of love, we have heard about the Ephesian church who though pure and persevering, were passionless. We have heard the warning Christ gave them, and thought about its application in our lives and churches. Alison continues....
Though we may not have totally lost our love for Christ, we do need to check whether our love for Christ might need of some restoration. In verse 5 of Revelation 2, Christ calls on us to restore our first love.
I guess restoring our first love is a little like assesing the state of a well worn, much loved pair of boots as the cold, winter weather begins. The boots may be quite wearable, but perhaps they need a little restoring – just a bit of a polish on the scuff marks. Or perhaps they need major attention - re-heeling, or a new sole.
Whether our love is just off the boil, lukewarm, or chilled, we need to start by repenting of any cold heartedness towards Christ, each other or the lost. The Ephesian church was told;
“remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first.” (Revelation 2:5a)
If our churches are loveless, then our leaders need to lead us in repentance but repentance is also our individual responsibility. Our God is rich in mercy and grace (Ephesians 1:7, 2:4-7), so we repent, then humbly ask for, and thankfully receive, his forgiveness.
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