Repent and do the things you did at first!',

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"Repent and do the things you did at first!" Revelation 2:5

Repentance implies thought—serious thought in reference to the conduct and state of the heart.

Repentance proceeds from conviction—deep and solemn conviction of our sin and sinfulness in the sight of God.

Repentance proves concern—a concern to escape danger, obtain pardon, and enjoy peace. 

Repentance includes sorrow—enlightened, hearty, and abiding sorrow, that we have grieved the Lord, dishonoured His cause, and slighted His mercy. 

Repentance always leads to reformation. There may be some degree of reformation without repentance—but there can be no repentance without reformation. 

Let us think upon our ways, reflect on the dishonour we have done the Saviour, be concerned to enjoy anew the tokens of His forgiving love, mourn over our follies and faults, and begin again to do our first works. 

Look to Jesus, wait upon God, search His holy Word, and abstain from the very appearance of evil—as we did at first. What love, what zeal, what caution, what carefulness, what entire consecration to God—we manifested then! Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the Lord. Jesus charges us with dishonouring Him—but He also says, "Repent and do the things you did at first!"