We are all imperfect people living imperfect lives. There will be people throughout your whom you need to forgive and whom you will need to seek forgiveness from.
So many of us are walking around with clouds full of resentment over our heads, and we can remove them through forgiveness. Forgiveness doesn’t mean we have to trust or even have to maintain a relationship with someone; instead of learning to live with negative emotions, forgiveness is how we let them go altogether. Forgiveness is the reset button for your heart and mind, and you can press it whenever want and as many times as you need.
Hosea’s story in the Bible is a story about love, unfaithfulness, and forgiveness.
Hosea was a prophet, and God told him to marry Gomer, a woman who was known for being promiscuous and unfaithful. Even though they had three kids together, Gomer was unfaithful to Hosea. Her actions were symbolic of the actions and behaviors of God’s people. Even though God loved his people unfaithfully, He has always been faithful to them.
In Hosea 3:1, God told Hosea to, “Go, show your love to your wife again, though she is loved by another and is an adulteress. Love her as the Lord loves the Israelites, though they turn to other gods and love the sacred raisin cakes.”
No matter what we do, God loves us unfaithfully. The love is unconditional though it is unearned and unconditional. Hopefully, Hosea’s story makes you think about the ways you might have turned away from God in your life, and think about how God’s love has pursued you during those times.
Also, think about people who might have done you wrong and where forgiveness is needed. Author Andy Andrews says, “Forgiveness is not about the other person; it’s about you,” and he also says, “You forgive people who steal from you, but you don’t have to continue doing business with them.”
Forgiveness allows you to let go of anger and avoid bitterness. Forgiveness leaves you open for new possibilities to come into your life.
God is love, and He loves us unconditionally, forgiving us for the many sins we commit when we ask for forgiveness. Whatever you are holding on to, let it go.
SOMETHING(s) TO THINK ABOUT
1 - What is your biggest takeaway from Hosea’s story?
2 - What is one time in your life in which you felt God’s forgiveness?
3 - Is there someone in your life whom you need to forgive?
4 - What advice would you give to someone who needs to either accept, receive, or seek forgiveness?
For a printable PDF version of this post, click here: Hosea: Unfailing Love in Unfaithful Times
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