^2:4Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first.

Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first.

It is not clear what was meant by "love you had at first". It may have referred to the original love the members at the church at Ephesus had for each other. Organization and "church" activities probably had replaced that "initial love" as the church had grown.

The apostle Paul retained his first love. In fact, it became stronger, broader, richer, deeper, and truer - Philippians 3:7-11. (Paul's goal: conquering spiritual death!)

"Love you had at first" is

* exclusive - It excludes the world and the flesh and resists the devil.
* makes Jesus Christ preeminent - Keep seeking things above, where Christ is. Colossians 3:1-4
* very active - It seeks to please the Lord Jesus Christ by keeping His Words. John 14:21-24 (Clue: God, the Father desires to LOVE us!)

If you have "lost the love you had", He, Jesus Christ, has "this" against you. If you never have experienced that "love", now is time to "find that love".