To the church in Ephesus, a congregation or community, this beautiful call to a higher level of love was written. The church in Ephesus was complimented for doing many things really well. What an honor to have God compliment you for doing most of what you do for Him! God made note of how they were proficient at testing both messages and messengers. We would be remiss to not recognize the implied level of doctrinal integrity among them. In order to discern a false message, they had to be well versed in the true message! These messengers were held to the highest standard of righteous and moral character. The congregation was careful to expose the imposters and had no tolerance for evil. They searched for it and dispelled it when found. Something we should have a judicious concern for today. We have become a lawless society with an unfortunate appetite for evil. I’m reminded of the scripture in Romans 1:32 (NIV), “Where they not only did evil, they approved of those who did evil!” Seems almost normal to celebrate the bad guy on tv or secretly approve of an illicit affair in a Lifetime movie. God, help us acquire a disdain for evil! 

They were a people who bravely endured various trials and persecutions and did so without getting discouraged! For His namesake, they overcame! They endured with the right attitude. It’s both inspiring and convicting at the same time! Knowing it’s possible to endure various trials on earth (which none of us escape) without discouragement is something to ascribe to. It’s convicting, however, to consider how easily we get frustrated and discouraged over silly issues right down to a lack of privileged comforts.  

While all these praiseworthy things were done in His name, He states, “You have done well …but lost your passionate love you had for me at the beginning.” He notes, “Look how far you’ve fallen away! Away from the original zest and zeal, the passion you once held for me!” Clearly, service, endurance, nor good works will ever compensate or overshadow one’s genuine love for the Father!

Our love must be passionate and powerful, like the love we have at the start of any relationship—the kind of love you had when you first came to Christ. In order to keep that flame burning, it requires intention. Consistent communion and fellowship with God in His presence! This is not a weekly stepping in the glorious atmosphere of His presence at church type of relationship, and it’s not a “Let me look over a quick devotional type relationship.” No, it’s a passionate chase to know and experience the heart of God and to lavish your love and adoration on Him! Far too often we are consumed with what He does or doesn’t do for us and neglect to love on Him. We immerse ourselves in a one-sided love affair, missing all the components of reciprocal intimacy.

How sad a view from the Father! To have given so much and shown a love so deep, just to have His bride live disengaged and entitled!

He elaborates, showing how relevant it is for the ones who are the “influential” to be the greatest lovers of all! He says, “Repent, turn back, and reconnect with your original love for me or I will remove your lampstand.” Meaning, I will remove your influence! You will become The Unknown Bride! An “influencer without influence, a church without relevance, a Christian without followers, Shepherds with no sheep, parents without respect…I could go on, but I’m sure you get the point. God will virtually hide you in obscurity to keep you from perpetuating a false concept. Works, rituals, and ministry are never the measure of one’s devotion towards God. Their LOVE for Him is!

He makes this telling statement, “Although to your credit …you despise the practices of the Nicolaitans.” In Greek, “Nicolaitans” means “To rule over.” Many have credited this to the start of a movement from believers being priests to part of a special ruling class of clergy that ruled over the church. Interesting to note: the Aramaic word “Nikolaitai” can be translated to “the performing of rituals,” which would make this verse read, “You despise the performing or rituals, which I also despise.” If so, how ironic to hate the performing of rituals or the mere going through motions and yet that is your story!

Still, to hate what God hates is great! He credits that. We should despise sin, biblical misrepresentation, manipulation, imposter syndrome, and those who spiritually abuse their power or influence over others. To do all manner of earthly ministry good without oil, and without an absolute impassioned devotion for Christ, we deem undeserving of influence given by God. Absolute unabashed devotion is admirable and necessary!

He ends this particular letter by saying two essential reminders. How you end is vital.

• To the one whose heart is open…listen carefully. In other words, take this seriously! Not everyone will receive this correction. But some, the ones with open hearts, will pay attention to what’s important to the bridegroom. This seems so relevant to the fact that the heart condition is the message behind the text. The open-hearted ones will dive deep into their secret places, take their love temperature and act accordingly. Some will hear the message, but the distance they’ve become accustomed to will remain. They are careless with their love.

• He leaves or ends this letter with a promise. Seemingly with intention, you must stay until the end for the prize. I can’t help but to think of how often I glance over a text or hurry to be done or just frivolously pass over directions on a product. This promise would indeed be missed by the one who’s just passing through. Again, remember the fact that His complaint for the Ephesus people was their lack of love. Devotion includes full focus and engagement. It’s consistent that at the end He drops in the promise.

              “TO THE ONE WHO OVERCOMES (subdues, vanquishes, prevails, experiences victory), “I will give access to feast on the fruit of the tree of life that is found in the paradise of God!” The tree of life is Christ within us, the hope of Glory. The fruit of that tree is reserved for those who overcome! 

This is what He says, “He is saying now to all the churches!”

All of us are being admonished to take our temperature! How in love are we with our Savior? How much passion do we exhibit for His goodness, and how much gratitude do we show for His marvelous works? Are we overcoming the pull to be unfocused, distracted by life, ministry, works, and even family? Are we overcoming persecution, discouragement, lethargy, and apathy?

This first letter, with its already high standards to the church, could be summed up with this message:

1. Stay passionately in love with God.
2. Be brave.
3. Endure through the trails and persecution of the times.
4. Hate (a passionate word) evil. Hate what God hates!
5. Test every message and messenger. Be ready and able to spot imposters!
6. Be part of a congregation.
7. Live contagious love–our influence should be based on a notable love for Christ!

How has this touched you? Have you been challenged to consider your standard of “Love?” Maybe even your standards for love? How do you love others?

I’m convinced that the biblical principle is that God is the degree to which we love others. It’s been said, “How you do anything is how you do everything!” We’re definitely loving others and the world around us more than we are loving God. Take some time and pray over this issue in your life.

Father, I repent for drifting in my love and devotion to you. I recommit myself not just to service, but to love. Come and fill me once again and help me live love extravagantly. Help me love my spouse, my children, my congregation, and community at large. Make me a lover of people. Father, I ask you to heal the broken places in my soul that have blocked me from receiving and giving the kind of love you have given me. Today I release all unforgiveness, offense, and bitterness towards anyone (You may need to call some names out), so I might be forgiven as well. Thank you for calling me back to a place of unrestrained love. I’m grateful for your unfailing love for me!

In Jesus Name,

Amen

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