Let me begin with a question—especially for those who have been married for many years and have celebrated numerous wedding anniversaries.

Would you describe your relationship as faithful, stable, and comfortable—but perhaps also as duty without delight?

That question helps us understand exactly what Jesus is addressing when He speaks to the church at Ephesus in Revelation 2, verses 2 and 3.

Christ begins with sincere commendation. He praises this church for their works, their labor, their patience, their perseverance, and for not growing weary in their commitment to His name. He even acknowledges that they refused to tolerate false apostles and those who practiced evil.

By all outward measures, this was a faithful church.

In many ways, it sounds like how a long-standing marriage might be described: loyal, responsible, committed, and dependable. And standing alone, those qualities would be a touching tribute from one faithful spouse to another.

But Christ does not stop there.

In Revelation 2:4, He adds these sobering words:

“Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works.”

They had not abandoned truth.
They had not abandoned obedience.
But they had left their first love.

Christ is calling them to look back—to remember what their relationship with Him once felt like when they first came to understand the truth of God and entered into a living relationship with Him.

It is much like remembering the early days of a marriage: the excitement of those first conversations, the anticipation of those first dates, the joy of simply spending time together. Thoughtfulness came naturally—flowers were chosen, time was made, and there was genuine excitement about the next opportunity to be together.

Christ asks His church to remember those same kinds of experiences in their relationship with Him.

When God first called us, His Word came alive. We began to understand who God truly is and why He created mankind in His image. The promise of eternal life and entry into the Kingdom of God opened up before us. Truths far deeper and more meaningful than anything offered by human philosophy filled our minds and hearts.

Life suddenly had clarity, purpose, and direction. There was joy and enthusiasm in learning. There was, quite simply, a spring in our step.

When Christ tells the Ephesian church to “remember from where you have fallen,” He is not condemning them—He is awakening them. He is calling them back to the passion, joy, and excitement of that first love.

Next week, we will continue this thought as Christ goes on to say, “repent and do the first works.” But for now, the question before us is simple and deeply personal:

Do we still have that first love?
Do we still feel that same excitement?
Or has our faith become dutiful—but joyless?

Christ’s words invite us to remember… and to return.

As we enter into the blessing of another weekly Sabbath, I encourage all to think about that first love as God called us into His truth, and also if we are married, consider that first love and bring back that initial excitement of being with our spouse.

Have a wonderful Sabbath.