Committed Love

First of all, apologies for the lateness of this post! I've been studying lots and lots for 2 big exams, and getting ready to come back to reunions to see all of my favorites (including my LR girls!). It's been such a blessing to spend time with them catching up (just chatting or on the dance floor!), and I absolutely can't wait for a wonderful weekend full of QT!

So...to the bible! Yesterday, I was reading a bit of Hosea, and these verses really struck me:

At that time I will make a convenant for them with the wild animals, the birds of the air, and the creatures that crawl on the ground. I will abolish the warrior's bow and sword - that is, every weapon of warfare - from the land, and I will allow them to live securely.

I will commit myself to you forever; I will commit myself to you in righteousness and justice, in steadfast love and tender compassion. I will commit myself to you in faithfulness; then you will acknowledge the Lord. -Hosea 2:18 -21

First of all, I absolutely love the book of Hosea. The Lord calls Hosea to marry a prostitute and to stay with her and redeem her despite her persistent returns to prositution. He uses this to mirror His relationship with Israel. My favorite part about the book is that it's full of the Lord's second chances (check out Elizabeth's awesome post about second chances on Long to Love!). I also absolutely the love the picture of the Lord's committed love that is portrayed. I don't know about you all, but for me, one of the deepest longings of my heart is for something or someone that will stick by me through thick and thin and whose love is totally unwavering. As wonderful as our family, friends, and significant others are, it's just hard for a human to fulfill this image of totally committed love indefinitely. Not only that - but imagine a committed love that is both righteous and merciful. I think a lot of times, our family and friends can tend to be on one side of the spectrum or the other - tough love or love full of mercy. How amazing it is that the Lord's committed love is both perfectly right and perfectly compassionate at the same time! I absolutely love the image of compassionate, committed love - the Lord feels for us when we struggle and promises to be there anyways. Today, I pray for all of us that we will live in the reality of the Lord's committed, righteous, steadfast compassionate, and faithful love for us, and I challenge us to show that type of love to others!