I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely; for mine anger is turned away from him.
Hosea 14:4
Lesson Overview
The prophet Hosea lived in Israel during the eighth century B.C. His domestic life, his marriage to a promiscuous woman, and the names of their three children provide a vivid picture of the relationship that existed between God and Israel. The Lord chastened Israel for her unfaithfulness to Him in being spiritually idolatrous. God’s great love for His chosen people, however, prevented Him for totally destroying the nation, and His affection secured a future restoration for her.
Life Awareness
The world places a huge emphasis on personal freedom and rights, yet little is ever said about faithfulness and commitment. The secular media applaud being promiscuous and ridicule the notion of being virtuous. Audiences applaud and cheer guests who flaunt their deviant behavior,but the jeer anyone who affirms virtue. It is becoming increasingly risky to oppose popular trends that defy righteousness and embrace ugliness. However, as we will learn in this week’s lesson, God wants us to be virtuous in the way we live and faithful in our relationship with Him and His people.
