S – I know that you have persevered and endured hardships for the sake of my name, and you have not grown weary. ⁴ But I have this against you: You have abandoned the love you had at first

Revelation 2:3–4 CSB

O – Commentary:

In spite of the many areas of commendation, the church in Ephesus was soundly rebuked: Yet I hold this against you: you have forsaken your first love. The order of words in the Greek is emphatic; the clause could be translated, “Your first love you have left.” Christ used the word agapēn, speaking of the deep kind of love that God has for people. This rebuke contrasts with what Paul wrote the Ephesians 35 years earlier, that he never stopped giving thanks for them because of their faith in Christ and their love (agapēn) for the saints (Eph. 1:15–16). Most of the Ephesian Christians were now second-generation believers, and though they had retained purity of doctrine and life and had maintained a high level of service, they were lacking in deep devotion to Christ.

“Revelation,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures

A – Our relationship with God is similar to our relationship with our spouse.  There is a time when we cannot be with them enough and our thoughts are consumed with them.  Regular time together deepens the love and bond but the outer actions can become “familiar.” Our expression of that deep love can be routine.  We cannot do this with God.  We need a fresh infusion of his love and Spirit daily resulting in a genuine expression of our love for him.

R – Heavenly Father, we love you today.  We know this in our hearts and minds but want to express this in a way that is fresh and genuine.  Help us to do this from an authentic heart.  We desire greater intimacy and understanding with you.