I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely, For My anger has turned away from him.
-Hosea 14:4
I may be dating myself a little, but I remember a hit by Toni Braxton entitled "Love Shoulda Brought You Home". It was a hit way back in 1992. I can remember singing that song with great passion even though I had no real understanding of what the words meant. Twenty-five years later, I know that Toni was saying that actions speak louder than words. As cliche as it may sound, love is an action word.
God expects us to love our spouses like that. He expects there to be some action that goes along with it. We can't just tell them that we love them. We must show them. He even used an old testament prophet by the name of Hosea to provide a natural example for us. I don't know if you have ever read the book of Hosea, but I suggest you check it out when you have a chance. In it, God tells Hosea to marry a prostitute named Gomer. Throughout the book, we find that Gomer leaves Hosea. She even takes on different lovers. She plays the harlot, even after she has given Hosea children. Time after time God tells Hosea to go back to get her. He even has to pay for to get her back.
God used this as an example of how much He loved the children of Israel. No matter how many times they turned their backs on Him, no matter how many times they pursued foreign gods, He took them back. Just like Hosea, God had to buy back His bride. He paid the high price of Jesus Christ in order to redeem us. He didn't just say that He loves us. He continually shows that He loves us. He forgives us. He accepts us as we are. He is with us even while we are not at our best. His love is unconditional.
Please know that I am not endorsing adultery or saying that you are to do what Hosea had to do, but what you must do is love. You must ensure that your spouse knows and feels your love. There should be tangible evidence that you love them. Do you talk to your spouse like you love him? Do you do kind things to show your spouse that you love them? What actionable evidence points to your love?
Love doesn't just bring you home. It keeps you home and makes your home a place of peace. Love prefers others over itself. Love is gracious. Love forgives. Is your love in action?
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