How can I Rekindle my “first love” for the Lord?

For the Spirit himself giveth testimony to our spirit, that we are the sons of God.(Romans 8:16)

Unfortunately, many Christians fall away from this first love. When a believer does not depend on God to meet his daily needs, his love for God grows cold.

Jesus addressed this issue when He spoke to the church of Ephesus. Jesus said: “But I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first charity. Be mindful therefore from whence thou art fallen: and do penance, and do the first works. Or else I come to thee, and will move thy candlestick out of its place, except thou do penance. . .” (Revelation 2:4–5). If you find yourself in this position, ask God to have mercy on you and to rekindle your love for Him.

Remember, Repent, and Do the “First Works”

Recalling your salvation experience and your first love for the Lord can help you recognize changes that have developed in your relationship with God since then. Do you have a greater or weaker sense of your need for God now? Are you cooler toward God and less passionate about spiritual things than you once were?

If so, repent of your indifference toward God. Repentance involves a change of mind, heart, and direction. Forsake the thoughts, attitudes, and actions that have drawn your attention away from wholehearted love for God. Receive God’s forgiveness through sacramental confession, and renew your commitment to do the “first works” of your faith.

Understand the Purpose of Doing the “First Works”

In Revelation 2:5, the word first means “foremost (in time, place, order or importance),” and the word works is defined as “toil (as an effort or occupation).” In other words, if you find that you have left your first love for the Lord, get your priorities back in order and do the most important things.

Obviously, from the definition of work, this involves effort; it is not something that happens without effort on your part or without grace on God’s part. First works could refer to many “important efforts,” and here we will discuss several of them: worship, prayer, Bible study, giving, fasting, and service to others. Each of these activities is designed to deepen your intimate relationship with God.

Worship

One of the ways that we bring glory to God and cultivate our love for Him is by worshiping Him. Take time to ponder God. Consider His acts in creation and in the circumstances of your life. Adore Him. Sing praises to Him. Bless His holy name. Theses are ways you can worship God outside of the Mass. But do not forget the Mass. The Mass offers a unique opportunity to worship God in a way that is not available anywhere else.

“One thing I have asked of the Lord, this will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life. That I may see the delight of the Lord, and may visit his temple.” (Psalm 27:4).

 Prayer

Each aspect of prayer is designed to remind you of your dependence on God:

• Petitions bring to mind the spiritual, emotional, and physical needs that you face each day. Your resources cannot meet these needs—you need God’s intervention.

• Requests reveal your motives. Are you seeking to advance God’s kingdom, or are you attempting to build your own kingdom (i.e., satisfying selfish desires)?

• Confession recognizes your unworthiness before a holy God and His immeasurable mercy and love for you, His child.

• Thanksgiving reflects an understanding of your dependence on God as you thank Him for meeting specific needs.

• Intercession is the means by which you share the needs of others before God’s throne.

Praying the Rosary is one of the most powerful weapons in our arsenal for spiritual warfare and one of the greatest aids in the pursuit of getting back to our “first love”. Pray it daily!

“In every thing, by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your petitions be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasseth all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6–7).

God’s Word: Study, Memorization, and Meditation

Reading, studying, memorizing, and meditating on Scripture causes you to grow in grace and in the knowledge of your Lord Jesus Christ. As “newborn babes” you are to “grow unto salvation” (I Peter 2:2). The awareness of your need for God will fuel your desire for His Word.

Studying the Bible may lead to discouragement as you learn about God’s holiness and how far short you fall from His perfection. God commands Christians to be holy as He is holy (I Peter 1:15–16), but instead of fostering discouragement, this understanding can create a deepening sense of need before your loving, merciful Father. (Romans 5:8, Psalm 103:14, and Philippians 2:12–13.)

Giving

Jesus instructed His disciples, “freely have you received, freely give.” (Matthew 10:8). Generosity offsets the compulsion to be “rich, and made wealthy” (Revelation 3:17), a state of life that can cool your love for God. Giving a tithe (ten percent of your income) or more is not simply a way to financially support the Church—it is a regular reminder that all you have belongs to God. (See I Timothy 6:17–19.)

Fasting

Fasting effectively demonstrates the reality that life does not consist of the things you possess (see Luke 12:15 and Deuteronomy 8:3) and deepens your awareness of spiritual, mental, and emotional needs.

Serving

 Ask the Lord to give you attentiveness to His voice as He brings needs of others to your attention and directs you to meet them—in His strength, with His love, and for His glory. As you serve in His name, you will know the joy of the Lord, which is your strength. (See Nehemiah 8:10.)

If you have left your first love for the Lord, remember, repent, and return to the first works of your faith. May God rekindle your love for Him!