Rhapsody of Realities TeeVo Devotional 5th July – Do The “First Works”

(Express Your Love For God By Loving The Brethren)

TO THE BIBLE: Revelation 2:1-5
“To the angel of the church of Ephesus…write…I know your works, your labor, your patience…Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent.”

LET’S TALK
In our opening scripture, the Lord had praised the church in Ephesus for their works, labour, and patience. But then, He reprimanded them for forsaking their first love. You might ask, what was their first love?

This evidently refers to their love and passion for the Lord Jesus Christ, shown through their love for their brothers and sisters in Christ, which Apostle Paul had earlier commended them for having when he wrote his letter to them (Ephesians 1:15).

If you truly love Jesus, you must express it in loving God’s people. 1 John 4:20 says, “If someone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen?” By loving the brethren, you show that you love Christ.

1 Timothy 5:8 says, “But if any do not take care of their relatives, especially the members of their own family, they have denied the faith and are worse than an unbeliever.”

Paul was writing about God’s people and how their expression of the love for Christ should be seen in their relationship with others. Jesus told the Ephesian church to do the “first works”: loving Christ so much that they express it in loving others. This means that the love of God you demonstrate in action—towards those you can see—is so important.

Walking in love has no alternative; your actions should be motivated by love. Make up your mind and train yourself to walk in love. Don’t be hardened against your brethren, your siblings or even strangers. Let your heart be softened and be easily stirred to help.

Go Deeper
1 John 4:18; Luke 23:33-34

Speak:
The love-nature of God in my spirit causes me to radiate and express love to everyone. I’m full of love! I’m sincere in my display of love, kindness, and grace, and I speak about and believe the best of others, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Daily Bible Reading
ONE YEAR
Acts 17:16-34, Job 6-8
TWO YEAR
2 Corinthians 13:7-14, Isaiah 25

Act:
Show a genuine act of kindness today: show it to someone in your Friendship Circle, neighbourhood, school, or a random stranger you want to lead to Christ. Let them feel the love of God through your genuine act of kindness.