How Do I Rekindle My First Love for God?
When your heart grows cold, His love still burns bright.
You remember what it was like — that season when your heart was tender, your prayers were full of passion, and the Word of God felt alive. Maybe it was right after you gave your life to Christ, or during a retreat, or a powerful sermon that awakened your soul. In those moments, God felt near. You couldn’t wait to worship, to serve, to obey. You loved Him — and you knew He loved you.
But now?
Something’s changed. Quiet times feel quiet in all the wrong ways. Church feels routine. You still believe, but your heart feels distant. You long for that “first love” again, but you’re not sure how to return.
This article is for you — not to condemn you, but to gently lead you back to the One who never left. Rekindling your love for God isn’t about trying harder. It’s about realigning your heart with His, and letting His grace ignite the flame again.
🔍 Biblical Foundation: What Does God Say About First Love?
Revelation 2:4-5 — The Church That Lost Its First Love
“But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first.”
— Revelation 2:4–5, ESV
Jesus gave this warning to the church in Ephesus — a strong, active, doctrinally sound church. Yet they had lost their heart for Him. Their hands were still busy in ministry, but their love had grown cold.
Notice the remedy:
- Remember from where you have fallen
- Repent of what has taken God’s place
- Do again the things you did at first
Jesus doesn’t say to feel more. He says to return. And His call isn’t angry — it’s loving. It’s the voice of a Bridegroom grieving a distant bride, saying, “Come back to Me.”
Jeremiah 2:2 — God Remembers Our Early Love
“I remember the devotion of your youth, your love as a bride, how you followed me in the wilderness…”
— Jeremiah 2:2
God is not distant or uninterested. He remembers the early fire of your faith — and He cherishes it. He’s not mad that you’ve drifted. He’s longing to restore that intimacy again.
🛠️ Practical Guidance: How to Live It Out
So how do you actually return to your first love? Here’s a step-by-step path, grounded in Scripture and real life:
1. Get Honest with God — No Masks
Don’t fake it. Tell Him the truth.
“Search me, O God, and know my heart!” (Psalm 139:23)
Be raw. Confess where your love has grown cold. He already knows — and He’s not turning away.
2. Remember the Early Days
Take time to reflect:
- When did your heart burn for God?
- What were you doing differently then?
- What truths moved you to tears?
- Who were you spending time with?
Write these things down. Let God stir your memory so He can stir your heart.
3. Repent of Competing Loves
Rekindling your love for God may mean laying down what’s been stealing your affection — even good things.
“Little children, keep yourselves from idols.” (1 John 5:21)
Ask:
- What am I turning to for comfort or escape?
- What am I loving more than Jesus?
- What am I afraid to surrender?
Then ask Him for grace to let go.
4. Return to Simple Devotion
Sometimes we overcomplicate revival. But returning to your first love often means returning to simple, quiet, daily time with Jesus:
- Open His Word even when you don’t “feel” it
- Talk to Him honestly in prayer
- Worship Him with music and tears and stillness
- Serve someone in His name
You don’t have to recreate emotional highs. Just meet Him. He’ll meet you there.
5. Seek Fellowship with Fire
Surround yourself with people who are on fire for Jesus. Their passion will spark yours.
Hebrews 10:24–25 reminds us:
“Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works… encouraging one another.”
Find a small group, mentor, or close friend to walk with you. Lone embers die out — but together, they blaze.
6. Ask God to Kindle the Flame
You can’t manufacture love — but God can reignite it.
“For it is God who works in you both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” (Philippians 2:13)
Pray this:
“Lord, I want to love You more. I don’t even know how. But I give You my heart — fan it into flame again.”
🪞 Heart Work: What’s Holding You Back?
This isn’t just about your habits. It’s about your heart.
Maybe you’re afraid:
- “What if I fail again?”
- “What if I try and feel nothing?”
- “What if God’s disappointed in me?”
Hear this truth: God’s love is not based on your performance — it’s based on His promise.
“We love because He first loved us.” (1 John 4:19)
Let go of shame. Stop striving. Let yourself be loved again.
Ask yourself:
- Do I believe God actually enjoys me?
- Do I trust that He wants me near?
- Am I willing to slow down and seek His face — even if it costs me?
Jesus never stopped loving you. He’s not waiting for a “better version” of you. He wants you as you are.
🌱 Encouragement: You’re Not Alone in This
Even the strongest Christians go through seasons of dryness. David cried out, “Restore to me the joy of your salvation” (Psalm 51:12). Peter denied Jesus — and Jesus restored him with love. Elijah was so weary he wanted to die — and God met him with a whisper.
You’re not the first to wander. And you’re not beyond restoring.
The Holy Spirit in you hasn’t gone silent — He’s calling you back, gently, patiently. Every step you take, He’s right there. Every ember you fan, He’s breathing on it.
You are not alone.
📣 Walk Forward in Faith
You can return to your first love — not by striving, but by surrendering.
Start small. Start real. Open your Bible. Whisper a prayer. Lay your heart bare.
Let Jesus meet you, just like He did in the beginning. And let His grace, not your guilt, lead you home.
🙏 Sample Prayer
Lord Jesus, I miss You. I miss loving You like I used to. I’ve let things distract me, disappoint me, even numb me. But I want You again. I want to love You with all my heart. Forgive me. Draw me near. Fan the flame again. I’m Yours. Amen.
📝 Reflection Questions
- What was your relationship with God like at its strongest?
- What distractions or sins might be cooling your love now?
- What one small step can you take today to draw closer to Jesus?