The story of Hosea is a great example of a selfless love. Hosea took a prostitute, Gomer as his wife because God told him to. He vowed to love her even though she had been with many others. Even when she remained unfaithful, Hosea continued to love her regardless. It broke his heart, but he loved her in a way that only GOD himself LOVES his children. A selfless, broken-heart, one of a kind, and unconditional love. Hosea still loved Gomer despite her leaving him to be with another man who could give her material things. Items she thought she lacked and would make her happy. When she refused to do something for the man she was living with, he had his guards throw her out and send her to the marketplace to be sold as a slave. Hosea went to the marketplace and bought Gomer so that he could again show her selfless, unconditional love. It was then that she finally came to the realization of what love really was. A love that never fails, doesn't leave, and never gives up.
In this past week I have heard some pretty heartless responses. I heard responses of "GOD come quickly and take us from this immoral place.' 'Fire and brimstone will be cast down on us now'. Really? Why isn't it any wonder that people who have been hurt or view Christians as haters don't see them in a loving way? Hmmm. Don't you ever wonder why so many view christians as hypocrites? Maybe, could it be that as "Christians" we see ourselves a little better than those "other sinners"? Or because some view 'other sin' as worse than our own? SIN is SIN no matter kind. The bible talks about all kinds. Whether it be wanting something someone else has or the way our world see's it "Greener on the other side". Seeking after more and more money so that we can ignore starving children around the world and even in our own back yards, just so we can reach a different status in society. When we are angry and act on it. Living on Sunday one way, but then not carrying that same way through the rest of the week. Those in prison are in there for many different offenses. If it wasn't for the Grace of GOD and taking our punishment on him, we would be confined with chains and giving into our own selfish desires. The Bible states
Romans 3:23-24New International Version (NIV)
23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.
We have ALL sinned. We are human. We fail GOD and his gift of selfless love sometimes everyday. How would it look if we really took a selfless love approach to everyone in this world we come in contact with? Even if it means, praying for our enemies? Smiling at those who would treat us wrongly.
Matthew 6: 9-15
9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10 Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:
15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
When my kids lie or do something wrong, I am disappointed in their actions. YET, I still love them regardless of them acting wrongly. I still want what is best for them. How much more does GOD want that for his children?
1 John 4:18-19
18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.
19 We love him, because he first loved us.
