Hosea married Gomer, who publicly committed adultery and made him the laughingstock of the town (Hos 1:2). The Lord says we do the same thing to Him by our sins (see e.g. Jer 3:9). The normal reaction to an adulterous spouse is anger and hatred (e.g. Hos 2:4ff). The Lord's reaction, however, is forgiveness and unconditional love (Hos 2:16-25). God says to us in our unfaithfulness: "I will espouse you to Me forever; I will espouse you in right and in justice, in love and in mercy; I will espouse you in fidelity, and you shall know the Lord" (Hos 2:21-22).
The Lord calls us to return to Him. He will heal our defection and love us freely (Hos 14:5). The Father embraces and kisses those who repent of rejecting Him (Lk 15:20). Jesus prevents those caught in the act of adultery from being stoned to death (Jn 8:7ff). Jesus died for those who mocked Him and tried to make a fool out of Him. Even when we hate ourselves, He loves us. When we won't forgive ourselves, He's forgiven us. When we deserve punishment, He wants to give mercy. Even after our adulterous compromise with the world (Jas 4:4, JB, RNAB), His love is everlasting (Ps 136:1, JB).
Repent and return to the Bridegroom, Jesus (Mk 2:19).
| PRAYER: | Father, I repent of spiritual adultery. Thank You for taking me back. |
| PROMISE: | "Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is Lord alone! Therefore you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength." –Mk 12:29-30 |
| PRAISE: | Being away from the Sacrament of Reconciliation for many years, George accepted God's grace, made a good Confession, and returned to his First Love. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College