First Love: Returning to Our Highest Priority

Daily Scripture Threshing for Today, Friday, March 13, 2026

Today’s Text: Revelation 2:1–5

Key Verse: “Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.” — Revelation 2:4 (KJV)

In Revelation 2, Jesus speaks directly to the church at Ephesus—a strong, active, discerning congregation known for its works, labor, and patience. They had sound doctrine, resisted false apostles, and endured hardship for Christ’s name. Yet, in the midst of commendation, there is a piercing correction: they had “left” their first love. This suggests not a sudden departure, but a gradual drift—a slow cooling of affection while activity remained. The text reminds us that it is possible to be busy for God and yet not be burning with love for God.

First love speaks of that early, fresh, wholehearted affection we had for the Lord—when His presence thrilled us, His Word satisfied us, and His will mattered more than anything else. Over time, if unchecked, routine can replace romance, duty can replace delight, and form can overshadow fire. Jesus does not ignore their works; He simply insists that love must remain the foundation of all labor. He desires hearts before hands, devotion before duty, affection before activity.

Jesus gives a clear path back: “Remember… repent… and do the first works” (verse 5). Remember—call to mind the height from which you have fallen, those earlier days of simple, sincere pursuit of God. Repent—change your mind and direction about the subtle idols and distractions that have stolen your focus. Do the first works—return to the practices that once kept love alive: unhurried prayer, joyful worship, hunger for the Word, and willing obedience. First love is not recovered by emotion alone but by intentional return.

The warning is sobering: if first love is neglected, the lampstand—symbol of witness and influence—can be removed. A church or believer may still have activity, but lose authority; still have programs, but lack presence. God is not only interested in *what* we do, but *why* we do it. When love for Him is primary, service becomes a joy, holiness becomes natural, and obedience becomes an offering rather than a burden.

Action Steps: Take time today to “remember”—think back to seasons when your love for God was more vibrant, tender, and focused. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you where drift has occurred. Confess any distractions, idols, or divided affections that have quietly edged Christ out of first place. Then, intentionally “do the first works”: set aside quality time in prayer, open the Scriptures with fresh expectation, worship without rush, and obey any promptings He has already given you. Make it your heart-cry today: “Lord, restore my first love.”

Quote for the Day: “God is not impressed by how much you do for Him, if you have forgotten how to love Him. Lovest thou me must always preceed every feed my sheep.” — (Simon Olatunji #quotablequote)

Let Us Pray: Lord Jesus, thank You for loving me first and best. I confess that in many ways, life, busyness, and distractions have tried to cool my love for You. Forgive me for any drift of heart and any place where service has replaced intimacy. Restore my first love, renew my passion, and rekindle fresh fire in my walk with You. Let everything I do flow from genuine love and devotion—in Jesus’s name, Amen.

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Thank you for threshing the Word with me today. For further study on this topic, please read: Matthew 22:37–38; Jeremiah 2:2; Revelation 3:19–20.

With love and prayers,

Simon Wale Olatunji, Ph.D.

Your Darling Bishop (DaBishop)

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