Marie’s daily verse: Hebrews 4:16Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

DAILY DEVOTION, January 26, 2023

But I have something against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first  (Revelation 2:4).

Jesus addressed seven churches in the early chapters of the Book of Revelation. He has some good things to say and some criticism. After saying some positive things to the church at Ephesus, he hits them with a severe criticism. They no longer have the love they once had. We know that the essence of Christian behavior is love – – – love for God and love for each other. Paul spoke about specific actions that Christians perform, but then declared they are useless if performed without love. (See 1 Corinthians 13:1-4). If you give $1000 to the church, that is a good thing. If the gift is given without love, it has no merit before God.

The church at Ephesus was doing many things right, but their good works were done without love. Yes, we are called to follow Jesus and obey His commandments. However, if our good works are done without love, we have missed the main thing. It is better to do a good work poorly with love than to do it well without love. “Make love your aim,” said Paul. Love is the forest, and the trees are individual good works. Don’t miss the forest for the trees!

Father, this verse hits me hard. I confess that far too many of my good deeds are done in a loveless manner. I pray for the Holy Spirit to fill me with the love of God. In Jesus’ name. Amen.