Hypocrisy

One of the accusations often lifted against the church is that we are hypocrites. We say one thing on Sunday mornings and then do things that are inconsistent with our Sunday best at other times. We may want to resist the accusation, but we have to admit that in some respects it is true.

Compassion

Finally—a moment of silence amidst the raging voice of accusation and judgment. For ten full chapters Hosea has railed against the Israelites, promising them doom and an oppressive and destroying wrath. Then, like the calm after a storm, the Lord relents, the tone changes; compassion rules, sympathy reigns. "My heart recoils within me; my compassion grows warm and tender," says the Lord.

The Wrath of God

The wrath of God ought to leave all of us more than just a little uncomfortable. It probably leaves some of us at least a little confused. How is it that the God who "so loved the world" is also the God who threatens the total humiliation and annihilation of some of his own?