In the days of Hosea, the Israelites gave God’s forgiveness no second thought. They assumed He would always forgive because of His love. Hosea 6:1-3 displays this assumption, this passing glance at God that expects His forgiveness without considering its price.
They said: “Come, let us return to the Lord. For He has torn us, but He will heal us; He has wounded us, but He will bandage us. He will revive us after two days; He will raise us up on the third day, that we may live before Him. So let us know, let us press on to know the Lord. His going forth is as certain as the dawn; and He will come to us like the rain, like the spring rain watering the earth” (Hosea 6:1-3, NASB95).
These were not words spoken in faith. These words carried the tone of a brat who truly believes their parents will always “make it all better,” no matter how rebelliously they behaved. But God is not willing to be taken for granted. His forgiveness is too costly, His healing too valuable. He would judge the Israelites, and we should learn from their suffering (1 Cor. 10:11).
As Hosea’s life displayed, God was a husband to Israel, but they were a harlot of a wife to Him (Hosea 1:2; 5:4). They did not love God. They were loyal to God when it suited them, but their loyalty quickly disappeared like morning fog or dew that evaporates (Hosea 6:4).
God expected more from them and expects more from us. Your forgiveness has been purchased with the blood of Jesus Christ, the most valuable gift ever given (1 Peter 1:17-19). Do not take it for granted. Show God your appreciation by loyalty that does not fade away and by gratitude that brings forth your perpetual obedience to His word (Heb. 12:28-29).