“You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary. Yet I hold this againstyou: You have forsaken your first love.”
Revelation 2:3-4
The past spills over into the present. For example, you may have a false concept of God because of poor teaching in your life. You might have a cynical view of this world because of your own broken home. You may engage in destructive behaviors/marital habits because it’s what you saw growing up. But we do not explore the past in order to point fingers or become victims. Rather, we go back so we can better understand our present struggles.
By God’s grace, our difficult pasts can be overcome. It is important to recognize two dynamics at work: sin and suffering. We read in Revelation how the Lord highlights both in His admonition to the Ephesian church. There are matters of suffering that will involve grief, courage, patience, and persevering in God’s grace. There are matters of sin that will require honesty, accountability, and discipline.
Depression is usually attached to a web of various struggles. Remember that Jesus suffered as He bore our sin in His body. He can empathize, and He also can and will heal.
By God’s grace, our difficult pasts can be overcome. It is important to recognize two dynamics at work: sin and suffering. We read in Revelation how the Lord highlights both in His admonition to the Ephesian church. There are matters of suffering that will involve grief, courage, patience, and persevering in God’s grace. There are matters of sin that will require honesty, accountability, and discipline.
Depression is usually attached to a web of various struggles. Remember that Jesus suffered as He bore our sin in His body. He can empathize, and He also can and will heal.
Scripture Focus
Revelation 2:1-7
Insight
Do not forsake your first love, that of your Savior Jesus Christ who sought you out and loved you long before you even knew Him.
Bible In A Year
- Job 7-8
- Psalm 46
- Luke 9
