Remaining Faithful In Spite of Unfaithfulness
"When the LORD began to speak through Hosea, the LORD said to him, 'Go, take to yourself an adulterous wife and children of unfaithfulness, because the land is guilty of the vilest adultery in departing from the LORD.' So he married Gomer daughter of Diblaim, and she conceived and bore him a son." -Hosea 1:2-3
Sometimes, people disappoint us. Sometimes, things don't work out as we want them to. Sometimes, in the midst of our circumstances we are faced with a choice: Giving people a dose of what they may deserve, or remaining faithful and full of hope despite other people's choices. This is invariably difficult. Nonetheless, it is something our Savior taught us to do through His example.
What does this look like in our lives? We may never deal with something as severe as an unfaithful partner in a marriage, but it is possible. We might encounter let downs in life that leave us feeling like we should let others down in our lives as well. But this never produces a good outcome for us. God promises that He is faithful to us. Will we in turn be faithful to Him? "God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful." (1 Corinthians 1:9.)
Being faithful means that when our friends let us down, we don't return the favor. We can let them know how it makes us feel, but then we can let it go and be done with it. Being faithful means finishing work projects on time with diligence. Being faithful means moving toward what we feel God calling us to. Being faithful means we have the right priorities - we love God first and love others as we love ourselves. It means we are faithful to God and we get rid of idolatry. Jesus is faithful to love a bride who often doesn't do a very good job of loving Him back. He said and models, "I will never leave you or forsake you." (Hebrews 1:5)
We are living in a time where unfaithfulness runs rampant. Are we going to be the antidote, as Hosea was? Are we going to be the difference people need to see? Are we going to reflect the Christ that is always faithful and full of love and Grace? However difficult, I pray that we will be. And in turn, Christ's glory through us will be able to shine. Will God find you faithful in spite of unfaithfulness?
Related resource: Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers
