September 28, 2025

KEEP YOUR FIRST LOVE FOR CHRIST UNINTERRUPTED (PART 4)

Apst. Emmanuel Osezele

KEY TEXT: Luke 8:14 KJV: “And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection.”

THE HINDRANCE OF WORLDLY CARES: One major danger to sustaining first love is the distraction of worldly concerns. Many believers lose their zeal when they become too occupied with survival, business, or the pursuit of wealth. The cares of this life, when not surrendered to God, will choke devotion and turn the heart away from Christ (Matthew 6:33; Philippians 4:6-7).

OFFENCES AND WEARINESS: Another hindrance is offence and bitterness. Many Christians lose their first love because of hurts, betrayals, or disappointments, forgetting that offences must surely come but they must not stumble by them (Matthew 18:7). Spiritual weariness also sets in when believers fail to keep their eyes on Jesus Christ and His promises. The Word warns us not to be weary in well doing, for in due season we shall reap if we faint not (Galatians 6:9; Hebrews 12:2-3).

FALSE TEACHINGS AND DECEPTION: The end times are marked by false doctrines that lure many away from genuine love for Christ. Messages that promote worldliness, ease, and compromise hinder believers from sustaining first love. To remain steadfast, one must hold firmly to sound doctrine and test every spirit with the Word of God (1 John 4:1; 2 Timothy 4:3-4).

PRAYER:

O Lord, deliver me from every hindrance to my first love. Help me to overcome the cares of this world, offences, and false doctrines, and keep me steadfast in You till the end, in Jesus Christ’s mighty name. Amen.

REFLECTION:

Galatians 5:7 KJV: “Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?”