Hos. 12-14
God did so much for His people, yet they repeatedly turned away from Him. He could have walked away. He could have left them in their rejection. But He didn’t. Instead, He went to great lengths to show them that He alone is their God; their provider and protector; their salvation. And while they were yet rejecting Him He said, “I will heal their apostasy; I will love them freely” (Hos 14:4a). The Bible story is our story, as believers in Christ. We are God’s people, and He is our God. And I am so very grateful that He did not leave me in my foolishness, but went to such great lengths to heal my apostasy and to love me freely.
Rom. 16
“I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles” (Rom 16:17a). Causing divisions and creating obstacles is what happens when we bicker over opinions, as Paul mentioned earlier in this letter (and is really a large part of his message throughout the book of Romans). Paul says that such actions are self-serving and not God-serving. And he says that such people should be avoided. That is great advice! And just as important, we need to avoid being one of those people. As Paul said back in Romans 12:18, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” Serve God above all and stay true to Him, and He will help you “be wise as to what is good and innocent as to what is evil” (Rom 16:19b).