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What does the Bible say about leaving your first love?

Answered in 5 sources

The Bible warns that leaving your first love means neglecting the intimate relationship with Christ that should characterize a believer's life (Revelation 2:4).

In Revelation 2:4, Christ addresses the Church at Ephesus and states, 'I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.' This indicates a departure from the passionate devotion that should exist between believers and Christ, which is foundational to their faith. The relationship believers have with Christ should be based on love and not merely duty. When individuals or congregations lose this first love, they may continue to engage in religious activities, but their hearts drift from the vibrant fellowship with God that is necessary for true spiritual growth.

Neglecting personal communion with Christ, allowing worldly distractions to choke out one’s devotion, and becoming presumptuous in spiritual matters are key factors in this spiritual decline. The call to 'remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent' (Revelation 2:5) serves as a profound reminder for the Church to return to its foundational love for Christ. Repentance and rekindling that first love are vital for the Church’s effectiveness in the world, as continued neglect may lead to the loss of its candlestick, rendering it unable to bear the light of Christ in a dark world.
Scripture References: Revelation 2:4-5, Jeremiah 2:2, 1 Corinthians 13:1-3, Revelation 2:4, Matthew 10:37-39, Romans 5:6-10, 1 John 4:19, Song of Solomon 5:2-6, Matthew 13:22, Colossians 3:1-3

Sermons (4)

Your First Love
Allan Jellett · Aug 9, 2020
Thou Hast Left Thy First Love
Darvin Pruitt · Mar 12, 2017
Thy First Love
Billy Eldridge · Oct 27, 2024
Thy First Love
Mike McInnis · Feb 15, 2026

Articles (1)

Christ’s Letter to the Church at Ephesus
Don Fortner · Feb 12, 2010
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