Real Loveনমুনা
Part I: GOMER GIRLS
Hosea 1:2-3 (HCSB)
Promiscuous Heart
The word promiscuous when used in the bible is used to indicate a person who wanders away from what’s right. Whether it’s having irresponsible sex or worshipping idols, they were choosing to turn away from what they knew was good for them. Gomer was a promiscuous girl with a promiscuous heart. Although she knew what she should do, she chose to do wrong anyway.
It can be so easy to judge Gomer, and to judge other girls, but the bottom line is this: we all have a little Gomer in us. We have all been unfaithful to God, self-indulgent, and rebellious. We have all chosen to go after what will please our flesh, even though we had a feeling it would destroy our spirit. As a result, many of us have been used, judged, or have felt shame. Like Gomer, many of us have been quick to sell out our morals and trade our dignity for the quick fix and, the worst part is, we were still not satisfied. We found that even when we got the boy, or the money, or whatever we were chasing, we still felt empty and alone.
Personal Reflection
Have you ever been labeled?
What do you think the world sees when it looks at you?
Do you ever feel like you are too far gone?
Have you chased after things that could not satisfy you?
Even now, as you read this: Are you looking for satisfaction in things other than God?
The important thing to know, is you are not the only one, and you are NEVER too far gone. The bible says we have ALL sinned, and ALL of us have failed to meet God’s standards (Romans 3:23). No one has ever been able to be 100% good and without blame. The good news is, God knows that, and isn’t threatened by it which is why He provided an answer. He sent His son to pursue us and bring us back to Him by taking our place on the cross. Jesus died to take our punishment to prove God’s unconditional love for you.
It’s crazy how caught up we get in our sin. We are really good at convincing ourselves that we only amount to what we’ve done, when the truth is, God loves us for who we are. We are more than our past, more than our labels, more than our promiscuity. When God looks at you He sees the heart underneath all your sin and shame, a heart that may be bruised and broken, but is still longing for unconditional love that can only be found in Him. Romans 5:8 says that God showed his unconditional love for us in this: that while we were still sinners he sent His son to die for us. His love is not dependant on what you do and His heart is that you would return to Him.
Prayer
Lord, allow me to return to you and your unconditional love. I know that I’ve had an unfaithful heart, but I also know that you have never stopped being faithful. I know you love me and you sent Jesus to mend the bridge between you and me. Allow me to recognize your love for me and to see myself the way you see me, no longer as a promiscuous girl, but your daughter