Bible Reading Blog
“God's Model of Love”
Categories: Congregational Bible ReadingBIBLE READING: Hosea 3
Divorce runs rampant in our society. It is easier for couples in difficult seasons of marriage to cut ties and move along. Especially when one party has been unfaithful. How can you be married to someone you can’t trust? It defies conventional wisdom and even seems to oppose the covenantal nature of marriage.
We know the bible is not silent on this issue, offering clarity to these messy situations (1 Corinthians 7). However, before suffering the exception we must clearly understand the model of marriage from God’s example. The opening chapters of Hosea are an object lesson of what covenant love ought to look like.
Hosea married Gomer who was unfaithful almost immediately. She made no effort to conceal it and eventually left him completely. Anyone in their “right mind” would justify Hosea in writing her off and moving along. But the story takes a dramatic turn when God told Hosea to take her back (Hosea 3.1). However, he couldn't simply call her up and make amends; he must buy her back because her actions made her the property of someone else (Hosea 3.2). This scene was humiliating for both Hosea and Gomer. But in this moment the nature of love shone through: “You must dwell as mine for many days… so will I also be to you” (Hosea 3.3).
Hosea clearly connects marriage to God’s covenant relationship with his people (Hosea 3.1). His love for Israel has suffered from their unfaithfulness but he continues to act in their best interest, ultimately hoping for reconciliation (Hosea 2.14-15, 20; 14.4-7).
While scripture offers grounds for divorce (Matthew 19.9), every marriage must start with this baseline: while we were still sinners, even enemies to God, Christ died for us (Romans 5.8-10). God even endured the pain of rejection after rejection but refused to give up. The scriptures teach us to see that we are Gomer. We have all failed, rejected, even abandoned God (Romans 3.23; Ephesians 2.1-3). BUT GOD, although spurned and heartbroken, is not deterred. He suffers long in hopes of reconciliation.
We do a horrible disservice to marriage if we are not primarily motivated by God’s model of love. “For God so loved the world that he gave…” (John 3.16). Love is a choice. Love is demonstrated when others are undeserving. Love endures beyond what is easy, comfortable and even beyond what makes sense for the sake of some else’s good. It is an unfailing covenant, not a contract. It is loving as God has loved us through Christ (Romans 5.8; 1 John 4.9-11).
Love is difficult but Divinely demonstrated. I pray we are blessed with the strength to show the same love that has been shown to us.
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.” (1 Corinthians 13.4-8, NIV)
