LOVE AND PUNISHMENT

Read: Hosea 5: 8-6: 6

Come, let us return to the LORD. He has torn us to pieces but he will heal us; he has injured us but he will bind up our wounds. (Hosea 6:1)

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Bible in a year: Deuteronomy 5-7

Have you ever heard the expression: "You can give without loving, but you can not love without giving"? Love is often identified with the act of giving. This understanding is not wrong, just incomplete, because love can also be realized in the form of punishment. The goal, that of a loved one to realize his mistake.

Even so as Hosea's call to the people of Israel who was then living in idolatry and wickedness. Pictured here, Ephraim and Judah attacked by disease ulcers. Instead of running to God, they did to Assyria, asking for healing to the King of 'Great' (verse 13). As a result of infidelity, those who did not receive a lighter sentence: God "pounce" and "beat" them (verse 1). God's chosen people want to live faithful and believe in the Person and His power, not to idols or other gods. God punished again elect to live according to His commandments. In a sentence tucked into God's love for Israel. And, anyone who turned; plead guilty and seek His face (v. 15) will restore He-He "cured" and "dressing" (paragraph 1) and He "turn" (verse 2).

We believe that God loves us. However, when we are back to God, His love is often expressed through punishment. God's punishment into a means of disciplining us. How do we respond when receiving discipline from God? Be thankful for His love. Do not harden. Now is the time reversed, pleaded guilty, and again seek His face. - YBP

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