“When the LORD first began speaking to Israel through Hosea, he said to him, “Go and marry a prostitute, so that some of her children will be conceived in prostitution. This will illustrate how Israel has acted like a prostitute by turning against the LORD and worshiping other gods.” Hosea 1:2

So, I pondered the scenario. Would I be able to keep loving my spouse regardless of their unfaithfulness? My expected reply is of course – “anything for you Lord, right?” But my instinctive answer is no.

Could I walk in daily forgiveness of a man who was continually and willfully unfaithful to me? Surely over time, no matter how much strength I mustered to forgive over and over, my love would reach its limit and I would give up. That seems to be the human limit of love.

But the Lord has shown us a different kind of love.

“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8

He saw our unfaithfulness and chose to love us still. He saw our disobedience and chose to pave the road to forgiving us through the sacrifice of His own Son. Without forgiveness, love is hindered. So, He paid the highest price making His forgiveness complete and His love known.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

To accept His forgiveness and experience His love, all He asks of us is to believe that He has given us this gift of grace.

“For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.” Romans 10:10-11

What an amazing demonstration of love this is! He has shown us how to love and in so doing, has now freed us to extend that same grace and love to others.

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” John 13:34