In chapter 2 verse 2, He says, “I know all the things you do. I have seen your hard work and your patient endurance. I know you don’t tolerate evil people. You have examined the claims of those who say they are apostles but are not. You have discovered they are liars.”
These are all acts of maturity and of constant growth learning from the Lord. But He shares one aspect that is very important for us to understand.
In verse 4 He says, “But I have this complaint against you. You don’t love Me or each other as you did at first!”
We need to grow everyday and challenge people to be fully devoted followers not letting them slip back. But we need to love Jesus first and love people no matter what. When we can take the word of God, open it, learn and act as Jesus did we will truly live a life of freedom and peace. Our growth needs to develop and our love needs to grow.
Jesus says in verse 7, “Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what He is saying to the churches. To everyone who is victorious I will give fruit from the tree of life in the paradise of God.”
We need to work on being victorious, letting God lead us by His word and using Jesus as our strength. I want to receive fruit from Christ and I know it will not only take hard work but my loving God and my neighbors. Amen