What does it truly mean to have a “first love” for God? I’m not just asking about acknowledging God’s existence or even believing in Him. I’m interested in understanding the depth and characteristics of a relationship with God that resembles the passionate, all-consuming feeling often associated with a first romantic love. How does one cultivate such a love? What are the practical expressions of this “first love” in daily life? Does it involve a specific emotional experience, or is it more about commitment and obedience? And how does this “first love” for God impact one’s relationships with other people and the world around them? Are there potential pitfalls or misunderstandings to avoid in striving for this kind of relationship with God?
Answer
Having a first love for God signifies a relationship where God holds the primary and most cherished position in one’s life, influencing their thoughts, actions, and desires above all else. It’s a deep, affectionate devotion that permeates every aspect of their being.
This first love encompasses:
-
Prioritization: God’s will, teachings, and presence are the foremost considerations in decision-making and daily life. This means actively seeking God’s guidance through prayer, scripture, and reflection before pursuing personal ambitions or conforming to societal pressures. Time, resources, and energy are consciously allocated to cultivate the relationship with God.
-
Intimacy: A longing to be near to God and to understand Him more fully. This is fostered through regular prayer, meditation on scripture, and participation in worship. It’s a desire for open communication and communion with the divine.
-
Obedience: A genuine desire to live in accordance with God’s commandments and teachings, not out of compulsion, but out of love and respect. This involves striving for moral and ethical integrity, aligning one’s actions with the principles found in scripture.
-
Gratitude: An overwhelming sense of thankfulness for God’s blessings, grace, and mercy. This gratitude is expressed through acts of service, worship, and a recognition of God’s hand in all circumstances.
-
Trust: A profound faith in God’s sovereignty and goodness, even in the face of adversity. This involves surrendering control and trusting that God’s plan is ultimately for the best, regardless of current circumstances.
-
Joy: An inner sense of peace and contentment that stems from being in relationship with God. This joy is not dependent on external circumstances but is rooted in the security of God’s love and presence.
-
Passion: A fervent zeal for God’s kingdom and a desire to share one’s faith with others. This passion manifests in acts of evangelism, service to the community, and a commitment to social justice.
-
Sacrifice: Willingness to make sacrifices for God’s sake, putting His desires above one’s own comfort and personal gain. This may involve sacrificing time, resources, or even personal ambitions to further God’s purposes.
- Continuous Growth: A commitment to continually learn and grow in one’s understanding of God and His ways. This is a lifelong journey of discipleship, marked by ongoing learning, reflection, and spiritual development.
This "first love" is not a static achievement but a dynamic and evolving relationship that requires continuous cultivation and intentional effort. It’s a commitment to prioritize God above all else, allowing His love to shape one’s entire life.
Pray This Prayer
Heavenly Father,
I come before you humbled, seeking to understand what it truly means to have a first love for you. I know the scriptures speak of loving you with all my heart, soul, and mind, but I yearn for a deeper, more personal connection, a first love that burns bright within me.
What does it mean to wake each morning with you on my mind, Father? Is it a constant awareness of your presence, a gentle whisper in my soul that guides my thoughts and actions throughout the day? Is it a passionate desire to please you, to reflect your love in every word and deed?
Show me, Lord, what it means to prioritize you above all else. To lay down my anxieties, my desires, and my ambitions at your feet, trusting that your plan for me is far greater than anything I could imagine. Help me to resist the temptations that draw me away from you, the fleeting pleasures that pale in comparison to your eternal grace.
Help me to nurture this first love, to feed it with prayer, with scripture, and with acts of service. Help me to remember the joy of first discovering you, the awe and wonder that filled my heart. Rekindle that flame within me, Father, so that my love for you may never grow cold.
Grant me the courage to live authentically in this love, to share it with others, and to be a beacon of your light in the world. Let my life be a testament to the transforming power of a first love for you.
Thank you for your unending love and grace. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
0 Comments