Welp. Here’s where I would like to remind you this book is killing me. And at times I would prefer to move on to a nicer one.
However, obedience seems to be pretty important to God.
So…let’s dive in together.
“Hear the word of the LORD, O people of Israel!
The LORD has brought charges against you, saying:
‘There is no faithfulness, no kindness,
No knowledge of God in your land.
You make vows and break them;
You kill and steal and commit adultery.
There is violence everywhere –
one murder after another.”
(Hosea 4:1-2 NLT)
We are now moving from Gomer’s story line to Israel’s.
And God begins with heart conditions and spiritual violations in His people.
In other words? Demolition from the inside out.
You are not faithful.
You are not kind.
You don’t know Me.
Jesus often talked about fruit. The fruit indicates the type of tree (Luke 6), if we fall to the ground and die, we will produce much fruit (John 12), and we can produce no fruit without being connected to the Vine (John 15).
And Paul tells us the Fruit of the Spirit consists of character beauties, fruit of our internal life with Him (Galatians 5).
What we do flows from who we are. If we are not connected to God, not faithful to Him or others, and not kind…other sins are not going to seem like that big of a deal.
We have a heart that is hardened to sin.
Just a few days ago I shared with some ladies an area where the people I love are regularly bringing me back to truth. My history in this area does not allow me the luxury of trusting my heart. I need others.
How bout you? Any areas like this in your heart?
Okay. Deep breath. Let’s dig into what happens when we have sin-hardened hearts:
“You make vows and break them;
You kill and steal and commit adultery.
There is violence everywhere –
one murder after another.”
Looking at this list, I keep coming back to trust. When we cannot trust another’s word, their vow, we naturally protect ourselves from them.
When we kill or steal or commit adultery, others are violated. Taking someone’s life or possessions or spouse completely dishonors them. There is no room for trust.
“Violence everywhere – one murder after another.”
Remember Jesus talking about murder?
“You know that our ancestors were told, ‘Do not murder’ and ‘A murderer must be brought to trial.’
But I promise you that if you are angry with someone, you will have to stand trial.
If you call someone a fool, you will be taken to court.
And if you say that someone is worthless, you will be in danger of the fires of hell.
So if you are about to place your gift on the altar and remember that someone is angry with you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. Make peace with that person, then come back and offer your gift to God.” (Matthew 5:21-24 CEV)
Jesus meant it when He said we are to love one another.
We are Image Bearers. All of us. Even that person who disagrees with you. Especially the one who is your enemy.
We will not truly love each other from the heart on our own strength. We’re all far too selfish. His agape love in us must take over. In order for that to happen, we must train.
We yield.
We clothe ourselves intentionally with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
We ask Him to help us love our neighbor as ourselves in His strength.
We make room in our lives for that inside out demolition.