A Path Forward

Love your wife as the Lord loves the Israelites, though they turn to other gods. Hosea 3, verse 1. Welcome to today's encouragement from Our Daily Bread.

A path forward was written and read by Tom Felton. Hosea, chapter 3. The Lord said to me, Go show your love to your wife again, though she is loved by another man and is an adulteress. Love her as the Lord loves the Israelites, though they turn to other gods and love the sacred raisin cakes. So I bought her for fifteen shekels of silver and about a Homer and Lethek of barley.

Then I told her, 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. For the Israelites will live many days without king or prince, without sacrifice or sacred stones, without ephod or household gods. Afterward the Israelites will return and seek the Lord their God and David their king. They will come trembling to the Lord and to his blessings in the last days.

A Path Forward What do we do? Scott and Bree agonized over how to relate to friends and family members who'd chosen unbiblical ways of life. As they studied the scriptures and prayed, a path forward emerged. First, they reinforced their love for their friends and loved ones. Second, they expressed what was true and good about them based on God's good design. And third, they shared how they would lovingly interact with them based on scriptural wisdom.

In time, greater relational trust was built as Scott and Bree extended Christ-like love. Hosea likely wondered how to relate to his wife, a woman whose chosen way of life didn't honor God or him. In Hosea chapter 3, God directed the prophet to show your love to your wife again, though she is an adulteress. The prophet evidently reinforced his love for her while also expressing what was right and true for them and their relationship before God.

His relationship with her symbolized God's own challenge with rebellious ancient Israel. Though they'd chosen a wrong course, he provided a path forward, telling them his love will know no bounds but to choose his ways, for they are right. As God provides wisdom and discernment, let's continue to extend his love and truth to those who have chosen unbiblical ways of life.

His example provides the path forward. Let's pray. Loving God, please help us to reflect your truth and love to those far from you. We need your wisdom as we seek to do what's best for them. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen. As you go about your day, reflect on these questions. How has God shown love and truth to you? How can you show God's love and truth to those on unbiblical paths?