Highlight Love is an action. Love is costly. Verse 1 God commands Hosea to “go, show love to your wife” and immediately he “bought her for…” (v. 2). It is not meant in a demeaning way, it is a literal action of his wife caught up in adultery and prostitution for him to have to “buy her out.” But he does, not just because God commanded, but because God had transformed his understanding of forgiveness and love. Hosea understood that love must go above and beyond for the other person, and that boundaries are needed. While Hosea purchases and loves his wife, he also restores their marriage by setting boundaries; “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 (v. 3).” Both love and boundaries are foundational for relationships.  Read More

Highlight Salvation and restoration is coming. Both for Gomer from Hosea and the Israelites from God. God declares five of His own characteristics that He promises to lavish on His people. They are righteousness, justice, love, compassion and faithfulness. Only God can fulfill these attributes. He is the only one who can bring salvation to His people through righteousness, justice, love, compassion and faithfulness. Yet, He calls us to live out these attributes too. Especially if we have accepted His gift of salvation, not because we are attempting to earn His gift. But because of His great love for us, why would we not share with others the righteousness, justice, love, compassion, and faithfulness He has shown us? What better way to bring others into the loving fold of God’s family but displaying the same attributes He bestows onto us.  Read More

Highlight It is important to know the style in which an author wrote the original book or letter. Often it is not the simple autobiography or history or nonfiction, we might think of and read today. In fact, when reading the Bible it is even more important to consider the style and audience. The Bible consists of many different literature styles, and many different styles in one book. For example, Hosea could come across as an allegory or metaphor. But in fact, it is the actual experience of Hosea and the prophetic message God shares with him. While pieces of Hosea’s story have a deeper meaning and symbolism interwoven. The overall story is fully Hosea’s experience with God, his wife, children and the people of Israel. It is not likely anyone would make up the experiences Hosea encountered.  Read More

Welcome to Week 6 of the First Comes Love Reading Plan! This reading plan is designed to partner with Compassion Christian Church’s sermon series of the same name, which you can find information about right here.  Read More

Highlight The definition of “simple one” in verse 7 is “a youth who lacked judgment,” “a youth lacking of heart,” or “one devoid of common sense or understanding.” No one wants to be described that way. But the narrator of this proverb describes anyone who falls into the temptation of adultery as a “simple one” - easily taken in. Only thinking of themselves and the current pleasure, not thinking about the fact that “it will cost him his life” (v. 23).  Read More

Highlight Being confronted with the truth often hurts. It causes anger, bitterness, denial, and sometimes resentment towards the person who called your bluff. David could have gone through all of those emotions when Nathan confronted him about the sins he had committed. Yet, he knew he was guilty and sincerely regretful. David wrote Psalm 51 as an expression of his vulnerability and deepest sincerity of his own guilt and remorse, but also of God’s forgiveness, love and kindness.  Read More