Imagine the wonder of time travel – visiting the past and witnessing both change and constancy. One thing that remains unchanged is God’s love. Unlike human love, which can falter or fade, God’s love is perfect, sacrificial, and unwavering. As a pastor once put it, “Has anybody ever said that they so loved you, even after knowing your faults, and still come back to say, ‘I’m so in love with you’?” That’s the kind of love God has for us.
God’s love is not affected by the passage of time or by changing circumstances. It is agape love, characterized by mercy, kindness, patience, and faithfulness. This love is beautifully illustrated in the fruits of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22-23: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, goodness, and self-control. These qualities reflect the timeless character of God’s love in our lives.
God’s Love Revealed in Hosea 11
The prophet Hosea provides a vivid picture of God’s love for Israel, his covenant people. Hosea 11:1 declares, “When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son.” This verse recalls God’s deliverance of Israel from slavery in Egypt, likening the nation to a beloved child whom God tenderly nurtured.
Despite Israel’s rebellion—worshiping false gods like Baal and turning away from God’s care—God’s love did not waver. Hosea 11:3-4 says, “I led them with cords of human kindness, with ties of love. I lifted the yoke from their neck and bent down to feed them.” Even when Israel failed to recognize God’s healing and provision, He continued to care for them with compassion.
Though justice demanded punishment for Israel’s disobedience, God’s heart was filled with compassion. Hosea 11:8 expresses this tender struggle: “How can I give you up, Ephraim? How can I hand you over, Israel? … My heart has changed within me; all my compassion is aroused.” God’s holiness means He is just, but His love and mercy prevent Him from abandoning His people completely.
The Holiness of God and Its Impact on His Love
God’s holiness is central to understanding His love. Holiness is not just an attribute; it is the very essence of who God is. It sets Him apart from creation and signifies His absolute purity and perfection. God revealed Himself to Moses as “I AM WHO I AM” (Exodus 3:14), emphasizing His self-sufficiency and eternal nature.
God’s holiness means He cannot tolerate sin, yet it also encompasses mercy and unfailing love. As Psalm 103:8 says, “The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in love.” God’s mercy means we do not receive the punishment we deserve, and His love is faithful through all generations.
The Promise of Hope and Restoration
Hosea ends with a promise of hope. Despite Israel’s sins and exile, God declares in verses 10-11 that His people will be called home: “They will follow the Lord; he will roar like a lion. When he roars, his children will come trembling from the west.” This powerful image reminds us that God’s love calls us back, no matter how far we stray.
God is a God of restoration, who longs to settle His people in their homes and bring peace. His timeless love is not only about justice but also about redemption and hope.
The New Covenant and Our Confidence in God’s Love
The timeless love of God continues to be revealed through Jesus Christ and the new covenant. Hebrews 10:19-25 encourages believers to draw near to God with confidence because of Jesus’ sacrifice. Through the “new and living way” opened by Christ, we have access to God’s presence and the assurance of forgiveness.
This passage also exhorts us to persevere in faith, encouraging one another toward love and good deeds, and not neglecting to meet together as the day of Christ’s return approaches. In times of fear or hardship, we find strength in community and in the enduring love of God.
Living Out God’s Timeless Love
As followers of Christ, we are called to embody the timeless love of God in our relationships and communities. This means resisting apathy, welcoming everyone, and actively participating in remedying the concerns of those around us.
Developing godly relationships within our families, churches, schools, and neighborhoods nurtures our faith and allows us to experience God’s love more deeply. Collaboration and connection inspire us to live out the love we have received.
Memory Verse for Reflection
Ecclesiastes 3:11 beautifully captures the heart of this message:
“He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end.”
God’s love is eternal and beyond full human comprehension, but it is always present and active in our lives.
Conclusion: A Charge to Embrace and Share God’s Love
God’s love is timeless, faithful, and holy. It calls us to live by faith, labor in love, and endure with hope. As we walk this journey together, let us commit to spending time with others, building relationships that reflect God’s love and bring healing to our communities.
May the timeless love of God fill your heart and life abundantly. Remember, as 1 John 4:8 says, “God is love.” Let this truth inspire you to love others deeply and live boldly in Christ.
May God bless you richly as you experience and share His timeless love.
