Return to Your First Love

The Nicolaitans are mentioned in the book of Revelation as a group whose practices Christ hated (Revelation 2:6, 15). While not much is known about them historically, their name and actions serve as a warning to believers. This article explores what it means to avoid being a Nicolaitan and encourages us to return to our first love,Jesus Christ.

Who Were the Nicolaitans?

The Nicolaitans are referenced in Christ’s letters to the churches of Ephesus and Pergamum in Revelation:

The Deeds of the Nicolaitans (Ephesus)

Christ commended the church in Ephesus for hating the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which He also hated (Revelation 2:6).

The Doctrine of the Nicolaitans (Pergamum)

In Pergamum, however, some believers embraced the Nicolaitan doctrine, which promoted idolatry and immorality (Revelation 2:15).

The name “Nicolaitan” is derived from two Greek words: nikao (to conquer) and laos (people), suggesting a system of control or oppression over others. This could indicate spiritual manipulation, corruption, or the promotion of practices contrary to God’s Word.

The Danger of the Nicolaitan Spirit

The Nicolaitans’ actions and teachings stand as a warning for the Church today. They represent a departure from the purity of the Gospel and the simplicity of devotion to Christ.

Spiritual Manipulation

The Nicolaitans may have sought to control and dominate believers, much like some modern-day leaders who use their positions to manipulate others.
Christ calls us to servant leadership, not domination: “But whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister” (Matthew 20:26).

Compromise with Sin

By promoting idolatry and immorality, the Nicolaitans led others away from holiness. Today, similar compromises can occur when churches or individuals tolerate sin for the sake of cultural relevance or personal gain.
Scripture warns against such compromises: “Be ye holy; for I am holy” (1 Peter 1:16).

Abandoning the First Love

Christ’s rebuke to the church in Ephesus included a call to return to their first love (Revelation 2:4–5). This suggests that even those who resist false teachings can lose their passion for Christ if they are not careful.

Return to Your First Love

The call to return to our first love is a call to rekindle our passion and devotion to Jesus Christ.

Remember Where You Started

Reflect on your initial encounter with Christ and the joy of salvation: “Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation” (Psalm 51:12).
Recall how you first fell in love with Jesus, eager to serve, worship, and obey Him.

Repent and Refocus

Christ told the Ephesians: “Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works” (Revelation 2:5).
Repentance involves turning away from distractions, compromises, and anything that has taken Christ’s place in your heart.

Renew Your Commitment

Make a conscious decision to prioritize your relationship with Jesus. Spend time in prayer, study the Word, and cultivate intimacy with Him.
Jesus desires a relationship, not mere religious activity: “Abide in me, and I in you” (John 15:4).

Practical Steps to Avoid the Nicolaitan Spirit

Stay Grounded in the Word

Regularly study Scripture to discern truth and avoid falling into false teachings or compromises.
“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Psalm 119:105).

Guard Against Spiritual Pride

The Nicolaitans’ deeds may have stemmed from a desire for power or superiority. Cultivate humility and remember that Christ is the true head of the Church (Colossians 1:18).

Pursue Holiness

Resist the temptation to tolerate sin in your life or ministry. Strive to live a life that reflects God’s character.
“Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14).

Foster Genuine Love for Others

Reject any form of domination or exploitation within the Church. Instead, serve others with love and grace, as Christ did (John 13:14–15).

Be Thankful with All Joy

Finally, recognize that God has already done everything necessary for your salvation and eternal life. You don’t need to manipulate Him or earn His favor. Instead, live in gratitude for His grace:

“In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

Returning to your first love is about recognizing that Christ is sufficient. He has done the work, and our role is to respond in faith, love, and obedience.

Conclusion

The Nicolaitan spirit represents compromise, manipulation, and a departure from God’s truth. To avoid falling into these traps, believers must rekindle their passion for Christ, reject sin, and live in the freedom of His grace.

Jesus’ call to return to our first love is a call to wholehearted devotion. Let us heed this call, focusing on Christ above all else, and live lives marked by humility, holiness, and gratitude.

Return to Your First Love

Who Were the Nicolaitans?

The Nicolaitans are referenced in Christ’s letters to the churches of Ephesus and Pergamum in Revelation:

The Deeds of the Nicolaitans (Ephesus)

Christ commended the church in Ephesus for hating the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which He also hated (Revelation 2:6).

The Doctrine of the Nicolaitans (Pergamum)

In Pergamum, however, some believers embraced the Nicolaitan doctrine, which promoted idolatry and immorality (Revelation 2:15).

The Danger of the Nicolaitan Spirit

The Nicolaitans’ actions and teachings stand as a warning for the Church today. They represent a departure from the purity of the Gospel and the simplicity of devotion to Christ.

Spiritual Manipulation

The Nicolaitans may have sought to control and dominate believers, much like some modern-day leaders who use their positions to manipulate others.
Christ calls us to servant leadership, not domination: “But whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister” (Matthew 20:26).

Compromise with Sin

By promoting idolatry and immorality, the Nicolaitans led others away from holiness. Today, similar compromises can occur when churches or individuals tolerate sin for the sake of cultural relevance or personal gain.
Scripture warns against such compromises: “Be ye holy; for I am holy” (1 Peter 1:16).

Abandoning the First Love

Christ’s rebuke to the church in Ephesus included a call to return to their first love (Revelation 2:4–5). This suggests that even those who resist false teachings can lose their passion for Christ if they are not careful.

Return to Your First Love

The call to return to our first love is a call to rekindle our passion and devotion to Jesus Christ.

Remember Where You Started

Reflect on your initial encounter with Christ and the joy of salvation: “Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation” (Psalm 51:12).
Recall how you first fell in love with Jesus, eager to serve, worship, and obey Him.

Repent and Refocus

Christ told the Ephesians: “Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works” (Revelation 2:5).
Repentance involves turning away from distractions, compromises, and anything that has taken Christ’s place in your heart.

Renew Your Commitment

Make a conscious decision to prioritize your relationship with Jesus. Spend time in prayer, study the Word, and cultivate intimacy with Him.
Jesus desires a relationship, not mere religious activity: “Abide in me, and I in you” (John 15:4).

Practical Steps to Avoid the Nicolaitan Spirit

Stay Grounded in the Word

Regularly study Scripture to discern truth and avoid falling into false teachings or compromises.
“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Psalm 119:105).

Guard Against Spiritual Pride

The Nicolaitans’ deeds may have stemmed from a desire for power or superiority. Cultivate humility and remember that Christ is the true head of the Church (Colossians 1:18).

Pursue Holiness

Resist the temptation to tolerate sin in your life or ministry. Strive to live a life that reflects God’s character.
“Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14).

Foster Genuine Love for Others

Reject any form of domination or exploitation within the Church. Instead, serve others with love and grace, as Christ did (John 13:14–15).

Be Thankful with All Joy

Finally, recognize that God has already done everything necessary for your salvation and eternal life. You don’t need to manipulate Him or earn His favor. Instead, live in gratitude for His grace:

“In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

Returning to your first love is about recognizing that Christ is sufficient. He has done the work, and our role is to respond in faith, love, and obedience.

Conclusion

Jesus’ call to return to our first love is a call to wholehearted devotion. Let us heed this call, focusing on Christ above all else, and live lives marked by humility, holiness, and gratitude.