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's love, as defined in this discussion, is a willful direction toward mankind, involving doing what is best for them, not merely what they desire. This love is reflected in benevolence, kindness, sympathy, and generosity, as God deals with us individually while pursuing a grand, philanthropic plan to elevate humanity into His Kingdom. True love originates from God, and as we exhibit it, we take on the nature of our Father, demonstrating that we are born of Him. Those who fail to reflect this love do not truly know God, regardless of their knowledge. The world often misunderstands love, seeing it as deep devotion, sexual passion, or mere enjoyment of activities, while God's love surpasses these limited definitions. His love is proven by the world He has provided, the patience He shows, and most profoundly, by sending His Son as a sacrifice for our reconciliation with Him. Even when we were ignorant and opposed to His way, He loved us and desired the best for us. We are called to love one another as God loves us, laying down our lives for the brethren, just as He laid down His life for us. By actively using this love in our relationships, it is perfected in us, and we grow in His nature, becoming bold in His presence as we mirror His character. Perfect love casts out fear, and though we may struggle with apprehensions in this world, we must work to perfect our love, faith, and trust in God, knowing He will help us. Jesus Christ taught that the greatest commandment is to love the Lord with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, submitting all our faculties to His will and devoting ourselves to glorifying Him. This love is shown directly through obedience to the first four commandments, which involve having no other gods, rejecting idols, honoring His name in all aspects of life, and keeping the Sabbath as holy time for spiritual refreshment and service. The second great commandment is to love our neighbor as ourselves, extending this love to all—family, friends, countrymen, and even enemies. We show this love by not harming our neighbor in body, property, or reputation, by seeking their good, and by being tender and kind, even when their actions do not warrant it, without condoning sin. Attaining God's nature requires keeping His commandments with active faith, trust, and obedience, drawing close to Him through prayer, fasting, and study. Love of God produces a desire to live His way, and His commandments are not burdensome but essential boundaries that train us to become like Him. True love in the heart is reflected in our way of living, showing that we belong to Him. Above all, we must put on godly love, forgiving others as He has forgiven us, uniting all aspects of His calling and opening our minds to emulate Him.