Revelation 2 and 3 talk about “the things which are” (Rev 1:19) through the seven letters to the “seven churches” (Rev 1:20). These letters are descriptions of different aspects of the church which every church will experience to some degree. Three things to note in the study of the letters to the “seven churches”: (a) The introduction in each of the seven letters by Christ was unique to the problems of each of the seven churches. (b) Each letter concluded with an appeal. (c) There were commendation(s) and/or condemnation(s) in each letter.

1.  Service is not love (Rev 2:1-3)

Christ evaluates whether each church is shining brightly for Him according to Holy Scriptures. Evaluation begins with the church leadership. Church leaders set the tone for the spiritual environment of the church. The Church of Ephesus was toiling and working very hard, to the point of exhaustion (“labour,” Rev 2:2). They endured and overcame difficult circumstances. They exercised church discipline, knew God’s Word well and dealt with false teachers. While they were faultless in their service, they were not serving out of love for Christ.

Without love for Christ, our service will be mere duty, as a matter of fact. Service does not necessarily stem from love. Rather, our service must be a result of our love for Christ. Our attitude and manner of service will reveal whether we have abandoned this love, or whether we are serving out of love.

2.  Bring back the love (Rev 2:4-5a)

Our “first love” (Rev 2:4) refers to the love of God shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit at the point of our conversion. Every born-again believer will have this experience. Although we cannot lose this love, it can be abandoned by us. When this happens, we need to bring this love back. To let this love return, we must pray and ask God to teach us to love Him again. Repent and reset our heart’s condition by studying God’s Word in order to hear the voice of our Saviour again. When we love someone, we love to hear that person’s voice. We must repent and return to Jesus, and keep a close walk with Him.

3.  Maintain the love (Rev 2:5b-7)

After this love is brought back to our heart, we must maintain it by keeping it alive, burning hot and bright. Otherwise, God will remove us from being His witnesses (Rev 2:5b). Everything we do will be bankrupt of any spiritual blessing and value because God will not use us. Yet, we must not swing to the other extreme to say that since service is not love, then we will not serve.

Do not leave your first love. Serve your Saviour with love.