THIS COMPLAINT

Today's reading: Revelation 1-6

"But I have this one complaint against you. You don't love me or each other as you did at first!" Revelation 2:4 NLT

It's got to be God! Really and truly--it's got to be God!

In His gracious favor. In His loving kindness. In His mercy. Exhibiting some of His immense patience.

Because I'd never noticed 'it' before.

Oh, I've read it at least once every year for 24 years. I've heard SO many sermons preached on it. I've even spent a year with BSF studying the book of Revelation.

But to have it shown to me this morning, is a gift.

You see, the verse says...'You don't love me or each other as you did at first!'

I've always heard about a waning love for God. I've been taught our love for God should only grow stronger and stronger. I've even  heard pastors tssk-tssk the church at Ephesus for allowing other things to come between them and the Lord.

But what I noticed this morning is that not only is God's complaint against the church for their watered-down love for Him--but also for each other.

Had you noticed that before?

Have you considered how you love others--in comparison to how you loved them when you first believed in Christ as your Savior?

Are you sharing the Good News like you did then?

Are you desiring that they know the Good Shepherd like you once did?

Are you as excited to share the Hope you've found as you once were?

I think I can answer for all of us--No.

We tolerate people, most days. We consider others, sometimes. We ask a quick prayer for God to bless them, when asked to do so.

But do we love each other like we used to?

Might that be the complaint God has against us?