First Things First: Loving God

There's nothing better than simply being with the one you love. No agenda, no to-do list — just presence.

This week, we heard a strong but tender word from Jesus in Revelation 2 — a letter dictated directly to His church.

He begins with celebration:
"I know your deeds, your hard work, your perseverance."

But then He says something that takes the air out of the room:

"Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first."

Not lost it. Left it.
Not fallen out of love, just slowly drifted, distracted, or dulled.

We've all felt it in marriage, family, or friendship — the slow fade that comes when love is assumed rather than pursued. When life gets full, we start running on autopilot.

And that's how it happens with Jesus too.
We still believe.
We still behave.
But the fire has cooled.

So what does Jesus say?
Remember.
Repent.
Redo.

Go back to the simplicity. The sweetness. The stunning realisation that you were rescued, not by your knowledge, your behaviour, or your gifting, but by grace.

This Week: Return to First Love

Let's make space this week to pause and re-centre our hearts on the love of Jesus.

Ask yourself:

• Am I cultivating love for Jesus, or coasting on familiarity?
• Has good stuff (even church stuff) taken the place of what matters most?
• When was the last time I simply told Jesus, "I love You"?

You were made for this love. It is not fragile or fickle. It is fierce, forgiving, and forever.

Take time this week to say, "Lord, I love You" and let His love stir your heart again.

Leominster Baptist Church can be found on Etnam Street in Leominster. To find out more about us, visit our website leobc.co.uk. If you would like to speak to someone about anything that you have heard on our podcasts please give us a call and ask for a chat.