Like a Loving Parent

In the book of Hosea, God says, ”When Israel was a child, I loved him; and out of Egypt I called my son. It was I who taught Ephraim to walk. I took them up in my arms…I led them with cords of human kindness, with bands of love. I was to them like those who lift infants to their cheeks. I bent down to feed them…”

What we learn in Hosea, and in many other parts of the Bible is that God is like a loving parent. There is a depth of love that knows no bounds.

I think about how a parent if their child is threatened even in a small way, their fiercest fighting instincts come out. Or, when a child is hurt or goes astray, there is no other heartache like it.

Lee Ann Dunlap says, “While the airwaves are loaded with “cheatin’ heart” songs, we hear very few broken-hearted parent songs, quite likely because such anguish most often runs too deep for lyrics.”

Hosea tells us that like any other parent, God loves his children. He has watched over his own as they were growing up. God has carried them, fed them, rescued them, and healed them. And, Hosea reminds us that God is grieved to the heart when his children stray.

Friend of Dial Hope, my prayer for you today is that you would know the depths of God’s love for you at the very center of your being. Like a mother who cannot forget her nursing child (Isaiah), like a father who runs to welcome the prodigal home (Luke), God’s love for you knows no bounds.

Let us pray: God of love, today we claim the promise of the scriptures that we are your children. We thank you for your love, mercy, and peace. As we have received, empower us to give. We ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.