Hosea acted as an intermediary between God and Israel. The people of Israel were willing to repent, lay aside their idols, and cease their infidelities. But would God accept their plea for forgiveness? God then spoke through Hosea, assuring them that He would forgive them and heal and restore their hearts.

It is never too late to turn back to God, and God will never turn away from us. What God asks of us is simple but not easy.

God asks simply that we love Him with all our heart, soul, and strength and our neighbour as ourselves. The love of God cannot ever be separated from the love of others. God asks only for that, but often that is the last thing we want to do.

Love means active, hands-on compassion without conditions and care for others, regardless of who they are. Hatred and resentment of other people are definitely excluded. This is the essential core of true religion. God makes it very clear throughout Scripture that He has little interest in the many religious practices that people substitute for care for others.

What would it be like if we expressed our love of God each day in concrete deeds for the sake of others?