Therefore, the Lord said: “Because this people draw near with their mouths and honor Me with their lips, but have removed their hearts far from Me …”

— Isaiah 29:13

First love: God asks for our hearts. We can give no more. He can accept no less. He has loved us even unto the pit of Hell. How can we not love Him back? Ah, my friends, all of those good works, all of those labors, all of those industries exercised for Christ mean nothing if that first love is not there. Without love they are only “sounding brass or a clanging cymbal” (1 Corinthians 13:1 NKJV).

Is there any husband anywhere in the world, who would be satisfied if he discovers that his wife’s heart is now far from him, that she no longer loves him? Does it make any difference how diligent she is in the affairs of the home, in the tasks of keeping house? All of these things are worse than ashes if her heart is far from him.

God speaks of those who draw nigh unto Him with their lips, but their hearts are far from Him. God made us to love Him, for He loves us, and we must love Him too.

We love Him because He first loved us. As the hymn reminds us, “Lord, let me never, never outlive my love for Thee.”

Question to ponder:
How is the love life of your heart to the great Lover of Your Soul?