This morning, as I read Spurgeon's Morning and Evening, the focus verse was Hosea 3:1. "Go again, love a woman who is loved by a lover and is committing adultery, just like the love of the Lord for the children of Israel who look to other gods and love the raisin cakes of the pagan."
The take away for me is I am to love by decision, not reacting to emotions I am encountering in the moment. God said, "Hosea, love Gomer. Don't take revenge on her betrayal."
Ouch!!!! I felt that 2x4 to my backside. Fact: I've been feeling betrayed as of late. Feeling: I know that I've been letting my actions show less than love.
Then, my niece shared a thought from her devotion this morning and it captured the rest of my heart. 1 John 2:5-6 "But those who obey God's word truly show how completely they love Him. That is how we know we are living in Him. Those who say they live in God should live as Jesus did."
Wham!!! That one was a humdinger! Guess it's time to get over myself and move forward. I still feel angry. The justice side of me wants to make my list with bullet points to take to the mediator. The Holy Spirit is saying He will take care of this because only He can change the situation. Only I can change my attitude.
Help me, Lord, to move past the feelings of betrayal. No one is perfect, me especially. I know there is perfect peace in Your plan. Help me to surrender my need for justice. Help me to see past the "raisin cake" and see You working in the midst of the commotion. I need to factor in the truth of obeying You is the result you seek. I need to live as You lived, Jesus. Help me to walk in Your love, not emotion."
