Standing in Love

Is it possible to withstand pressure and even endure much opposition for the faith and yet lose love for the reason of the faith? Apparently, it is. Have you ever had the wind knocked out of you? The Church at Ephesus has many good and admirable qualities yet one little, tiny, word changes the tone of an encouraging letter. Nevertheless is a word that carries much weight. Revelation 2:5 states, "Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love." Whew, that is a knock the wind-out statement. I am so glad it doesn't end there and the letter continues with a formula for renewal.