Hosea Chapter 7

Before you read:  Read Hosea Chapter 7. 

Conditional Love:

Hosea 7:14 – They do not cry out to me from their hearts but wail on their beds. They slash themselves, appealing to their gods for grain and new wine, but they turn away from me. (NIV)

The one thing my kids can give me that is better than anything else is their sincere love.  When my kids come up to me randomly, throw their arms around my neck, and say: “I love you, Dad,” I cherish those moments as a parent.  Their sincere love means so much to me.  That’s a much different feeling than when they do good things because they want something in return. 

The Israelites have taken steps deeper into sin. Not only are they rejecting the Lord, but they have also turned to foreign gods for the help they need. They are hungry and crying out for provision, but even in their need, they do not turn to the Lord, the one who can actually help them. 

The Lord desires love without conditions.  One of the ways we can test this in our own life is to take an honest look at our prayer life.  What kind of prayers are we praying?  If I’m honest, too many of my prayers are focused on myself.  It’s not that I shouldn't pray and bring my concerns and feelings to the Lord, but my love for God shouldn’t be conditional. 

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the work you’ve done in my heart and life. Forgive me for sometimes just focusing on myself. I love you, Lord. I pray that you will continue to produce a sincere heart of love and faith within me.