Covenant And Reconciliation - The One Year Love Language Minute Devotional

Covenant and Reconciliation

At that time I will plant a crop of Israelites and raise them for myself. I will show love to those I called “Not loved.” And to those I called “Not my people,” I will say, “Now you are my people.” And they will reply, “You are our God!”

Hosea 2:23

COVENANT MARRIAGE requires confrontation and forgiveness. We make major promises when we get married, but sometimes we fail. Failures will not destroy a marriage, but failing to deal with failures will. The proper response to a failure is to admit it and ask forgiveness.

This is the way God treats us. He says, “If you violate my covenant, you will suffer, but I will not take my love from you. Nor will I betray my faithfulness.” God will not smile upon our failure. He lets us suffer the consequences, but he continues to love us, and he seeks reconciliation. The verses above are some of the beautiful, heartfelt words from the book of Hosea. The Lord was frustrated and angry with the Israelites, who repeatedly turned away from him and worshiped idols instead. Several passages in the book detail the consequences the people would suffer because they refused to listen—but those passages are then followed up with wonderful promises like those we see here. The Lord always seeks reconciliation. He is ready to welcome us with open arms.

The same should be true in marriage. We cannot condone a spouse’s sinful behavior, but we can lovingly confront with a desire to forgive and reconcile. When your spouse says, “I’m sorry. I know I was wrong. Will you forgive me?” the covenant response is always, “Yes, I want to renew our covenant relationship.” Love always seeks reconciliation.

Father, thank you for the powerful example you show us through the book of Hosea. If you can repeatedly forgive and welcome us back to you, how much more can I forgive and reconcile with my spouse? Please help me to remember this important part of a covenant marriage.

Covenant