In His letter to the Ephesian church, Christ rebuked them, declaring that they had left their first love. This foremost love, implied through Scripture, signifies an unconditional love for God, which is the first and greatest responsibility, enabling love for one another and for the law. Despite their dedication and resistance to false teachers, the Ephesian church's spiritual condition declined over time. Disputes and divisions arose, causing many to drift away from the loving fellowship of earlier years. This waning of love and unity prompted Christ's admonition, as their initial enthusiasm and devotion had faded. Other first-century churches also struggled with declining spirituality, showing diminishing faith, growing strife, and a neglect of their salvation, reflecting a broader pattern where faltering faith led to the loss of first love.

Christ rebukes the Ephesian church in Revelation 2:4 for leaving their first love, a stark contrast to the earlier praise they received for their faith and love toward the saints. Though they remain steadfast in labor, fight against evil, and guard against false teachers, their devotion lacks the deep, heartfelt passion for Christ and the brethren that once defined them. Christ accuses them of settling for a mechanical, less passionate form of service despite their apparent success and doctrinal purity. Christ offers a remedy to the Ephesians, urging them to remember from where they have fallen and to compare their current state with their initial, zealous love. He implores them to repent and return to their first works, motivated by a sincere desire to serve God and others without selfish intent. These first works stem from a love that is an active expression, reflecting God's nature rather than personal gain. Christ warns the Ephesians of the grave consequences of failing to repent, threatening to remove their lampstand, signifying expulsion from the fellowship of His Body. This stern admonition underscores the urgency to remember and repent while time remains. Yet, He concludes with a promise of hope, assuring that to those who overcome, He will grant access to the tree of life in the Paradise of God.

God is love, and this truth defines His very nature. His love, known as agape, reflects a willful direction toward humanity, always seeking what is best for us, even when it differs from our desires. As John 3:16 reveals, God so loved the world that He gave His Son as a sacrifice, providing a path for reconciliation and justification through repentance. This love is not merely an emotion but an outgoing concern, marked by benevolence, kindness, sympathy, and generosity in His dealings with us. His overarching plan is philanthropic on the grandest scale, aiming to elevate mankind to participate in the Kingdom of God. Love originates from God, and as we exhibit it, we reflect His Spirit and take on the nature of our Father. Those who reflect this love demonstrate they are born of Him, while those who do not, regardless of their knowledge, fail to truly know Him. God's love stands in stark contrast to the hatred, greed, and wrath that stem from another source. Despite the turmoil and suffering in the world, which may cause some to question His love, God allows humanity to learn through experience, holding a higher future in store for us. His love is evident in the world He has created, in the rain that falls on both the just and unjust, in His patience, and most profoundly in sending His Son as a sacrifice for our sins, even when we were ignorant of or opposed to His way. We perceive God's love through the ultimate act of Him laying down His life for us, as expressed in I John 3:16. In response, we are called to lay down our lives for one another, loving others both within and outside the church as God loves us. By doing so, we perfect His love in us, growing in His nature and moving toward perfection. This love, when actively applied in our relationships, completes us and aligns us with His character, allowing us to stand boldly before Him. Perfect love casts out fear, and though we may face apprehensions in this world, we are to work on perfecting our love, faith, and trust in God, knowing He will help us. We love Him because He first loved us, and this love is not ours but God's love within us. As the Father and the Son love, so must we strive to love our fellow man. If we harbor hatred toward others, we lack God's love. True disciples of Jesus Christ are identified by this love for one another, a sign as significant as keeping the Sabbath. Our calling is to become like Him, reflecting His patience, kindness, longsuffering, wisdom, courage, thoughtfulness, concern, and willingness to serve, thereby embodying the true love of God.