Session 2

Unending Grace

From Hosea: A 12-Day Devotional

They had an unlikely marriage. The husband was faithful to God in all he did. The wife was an adulteress. God told the man to marry her even though she lived in sin. In faith, he listened.

This is the story of Hosea and Gomer. In a story about unending love, we find a story about unending grace. Hosea and Gomer’s marriage wasn’t easy. Gomer became dissatisfied, and the promiscuousness that captivated Gomer before marrying Hosea consumed her even more afterward.

Hosea reacted as anyone would. He was hurt. Yet, because of his relationship with the Lord, Hosea dealt tenderly with his wife. He pursued Gomer in the midst of her sin, saying, “You are to live with me many days; you must not be a prostitute or be intimate with any man, and I will behave the same way toward you (Hosea 3:3).”

In the same way that Hosea showed grace to his wife, God shows grace to us. God loves us in spite of our sins. His love never fails, and He will never change.

Hosea and Gomer’s relationship is a beautiful metaphor for God’s relationship with His people. Although God was hurt by Israel’s sin, they were still His people. God said of Israel, “I will show my love to the one I called ‘Not my loved one.’ I will say to those called ‘Not my people,’ ‘You are my people’ (Hosea 2:23).”

Like Gomer, we struggle to let go of our sin. Even when we have so much love to receive, we seek fulfillment elsewhere. When we experience feelings of guilt or unworthiness, we can remember the promises of God. If you’ve been running from God, remember this: Nothing can separate us from His love, and He is always ready to welcome us home.

Reflect:

• What’s one way you’ve seen God’s grace in your life?
• What’s one way you can show grace to someone else today?