God's Word For Today

Daily Devotional

Return to God

Read Hosea 11:1 through 12:14; 1 John 3:1–24

So now, come back to your God. Act with love and justice, and always depend on him (Hosea 12:6).

God loved His people (Israel), but He hated their sin. Hosea wrote that the Lord had a charge to bring against Judah. They were His chosen people, but He would punish them for their deeds. They pursued lies and violence. They struggled with God, had known God, had wept and begged for His favor, but lost their way. They needed to return to God and live according to His plan.

God still hates sin today. He is a just God who deals with each one of us fairly. Each individual is accountable for his or her own life. We must live according to God’s commandments. Ephraim thought because he was rich, his sin would be overlooked (verse 8). It doesn’t matter who we are or what standing we have in life. If our lives have been spent in sin, punishment awaits us. The good news is we can choose to return to God, and He will forgive us and restore us. 

Prayer Suggestion: Father, I want to return to You. Forgive me of my sin. Help me to live a life that is pleasing to You. 

Quicklook: Hosea 12:1–11

So now, come back to your God. Act with love and justice, and always depend on him (Hosea 12:6).