Relentless Love: Hosea
Matt Parker
Part of Cross Brand Sermons
January 20, 2025

Day 1: Never Too Far Gone

Devotional

Have you ever felt like you’ve wandered too far from God? Like your mistakes are too big, your past too dark, or your failures too numerous? Many of us carry this heavy burden, believing we’re beyond redemption. But God’s love story, as told through Hosea, proves otherwise. Just as Hosea was called to love and pursue Gomer despite her unfaithfulness, God continually pursues us with an even greater love. No matter where you are today, no matter what you’ve done, you’re never too far gone for God’s love to reach you. His arms are open wide, waiting to welcome you home. Your past doesn’t define your future in God’s eyes.

Bible Verse

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, and see, the new has come!” - 2 Corinthians 5:17

Reflection Question

What lies have you believed about yourself that made you feel unworthy of God’s love?

Quote

Somebody is going to be here today or watching online that feels like you’ve gone too far. There’s no way that God can save you, redeem you, that you’ve just blown it. You don’t feel lovable. You don’t feel like He can love you, that anybody else can love you.

Prayer

Loving Father, help me to see myself through Your eyes. Remove the shame and guilt that keep me from running to You. Thank You for Your unconditional love that pursues me regardless of my past. Give me the courage to come home to You. Amen.


Day 2: The Heart of Repentance

Devotional

True change begins in the heart. It’s easy to go through the motions of spirituality - attending church, saying the right things, even serving others. But God desires something deeper than external actions. He wants genuine transformation that starts from within. Like a loving parent who sees through superficial apologies, God knows when our repentance is sincere. He’s not looking for perfect performance but for honest acknowledgment of our need for Him. When we approach Him with genuine contrition, He meets us with open arms, ready to restore and heal.

Bible Verse

Tear your hearts, not just your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in faithful love, and he relents from sending disaster.” - Joel 2:13

Reflection Question

In what areas of your life have you been maintaining appearances rather than pursuing genuine heart change?

Quote

God’s desire is not that we actually be judged. He says, tear your hearts, not just your clothes. You know what that means? He says, I want it to be real, not just a show on the outside.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, search my heart and reveal any areas where I’ve been settling for surface-level change. Help me to pursue authentic transformation through Your power. Create in me a clean heart that truly seeks You. Amen.


Day 3: Love That Disciplines

Devotional

Sometimes love looks like discipline. Just as a parent sets boundaries for their child’s protection, God’s discipline in our lives stems from His deep love for us. When we stray from His path, His correction isn’t meant to crush us but to guide us back to safety and blessing. Through Hosea’s prophecy, we see God’s heart in discipline - He wounds to heal, breaks to restore. His ultimate goal isn’t punishment but transformation. Even in seasons of correction, we can trust His loving intentions and know that His discipline is always aimed at our restoration.

Bible Verse

Come, let us return to the Lord. For he has torn us, and he will heal us; he has wounded us, and he will bind up our wounds.” - Hosea 6:1

Reflection Question

How have you experienced God’s loving discipline in your life, and what did it teach you about His character?

Quote

God loves us by a show of discipline. Hosea 6:1. Hosea is talking to them and he says, come, let us return to the Lord. For He has torn us and He will heal us. He has wounded us and He will bind up our wounds.

Prayer

Father, thank You for loving me enough to correct me when I stray. Help me to see Your discipline as an expression of Your love rather than rejection. Give me a teachable heart that responds to Your guidance. Amen.


Day 4: Unconditional Love

Devotional

In a world where love often comes with strings attached, God’s love stands apart. It’s not based on our performance, appearance, or achievements. While we were still in our sins, Christ demonstrated the ultimate act of love by dying for us. This truth liberates us from the exhausting cycle of trying to earn God’s favor. His love isn’t a reward for good behavior - it’s a gift freely given. Just as Hosea continued to love Gomer despite her unfaithfulness, God’s love for us remains steadfast regardless of our actions. We don’t have to clean ourselves up first; we can come to Him just as we are.

Bible Verse

God proves his own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” - Romans 5:8

Reflection Question

How would your relationship with God change if you truly believed His love for you is unconditional?

Quote

God’s love is unconditional. You don’t have to earn it.

Prayer

Gracious God, help me grasp the depth of Your unconditional love. Free me from the need to earn Your approval. Thank You for loving me exactly as I am while transforming me into who You’ve created me to be. Amen.


Day 5: The Journey Home

Devotional

Every journey home begins with a single step. No matter how far we’ve wandered, God provides a way back. Like the father in the prodigal son story, He eagerly watches and waits for our return. The path of restoration is always open, always available. God’s not interested in your perfect performance or complete transformation before you come to Him. He simply wants you to take that first step toward home. Your past mistakes don’t disqualify you from His love and acceptance. Today could be your day to begin the journey home.

Bible Verse

Repent, therefore, and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped out.” - Acts 3:19

Reflection Question

What’s holding you back from taking your next step toward God today?

Quote

God’s calling to you today. Just come home. Just come home.

Prayer

Loving Father, give me the courage to take my next step toward You. Remove any fears or doubts that keep me from fully returning to Your embrace. Thank You for always leaving the light on and the door open for my return. Amen.