October 22

Morning

I will heal their apostasy; I will freely love them, for My anger has turned away from them. — Hos 14:4 BSB

This short phrase is a treasure trove of theology. To understand its meaning is to grasp the essence of the gospel, and to explore its depths is to become spiritually wise. It sums up the beautiful message of salvation, delivered to us through Christ Jesus, our Redeemer.

The key word here is “freely.” This is how God’s love flows from heaven to earth—spontaneously, without being earned or deserved. It is the only way a holy God can love sinful people like us.

This statement crushes all ideas of earning or deserving God’s love. “I will love them freely,” He says. If there were anything we needed to do to make ourselves worthy, then His love wouldn’t be free. But He says it clearly—“I will love you freely.”

We might say, “Lord, my heart is so hard.” And He responds, “I will love you freely.”

“But I don’t feel my need for Christ as much as I should.” And He answers, “I don’t love you because you feel your need—I love you freely.”

“But my heart isn’t soft and tender like I wish it were.” He reminds us that our softened hearts are not a condition for His love. There are no conditions at all! The covenant of grace comes without conditions, so we can confidently rely on God’s promise in Christ, “Whoever believes in Him is not condemned.”

It’s a wonderful truth to know that God’s grace is free at all times—without preparation, without fitness, without payment of any kind!

“I will love them freely.” These words are an invitation for backsliders to return to God. In fact, the promise was written especially for them: “I will heal their backsliding; I will love them freely.” Backslider, surely the generosity of this promise will melt your heart, drawing you back to your Father’s loving embrace!

Evening

Everything that belongs to the Father is Mine. That is why I said that the Spirit will take from what is Mine and disclose it to you. — John 16:15 BSB

There are moments when all the promises and doctrines in Scripture seem out of reach, unless a gracious hand brings them close to us. We may be thirsty, but too weak to make our way to the refreshing stream. Just as a wounded soldier on the battlefield gains no relief from knowing that medicine is available at the hospital—he needs someone to carry him there and apply the healing balm—so too do our souls need the Spirit to apply the truths of Jesus to us.

Christ doesn’t store up His blessings on high, expecting us to climb up and reach them. No, He draws near and pours His peace into our hearts.

O Christian, if you are deeply troubled, your Father doesn’t just give you promises and leave you to draw from them on your own, like water from a deep well. Instead, He writes those promises on your heart, making them personal and real. Through His Spirit, He manifests His love to you, banishing your worries and fears.

Remember, it is God’s prerogative to wipe every tear from the eyes of His people. When the good Samaritan helped the wounded man, he didn’t just say, “Here are some bandages and ointment.” No, he poured in the oil and the wine himself. Likewise, Jesus doesn’t just offer you promises—He pours the sweet wine of His promise directly into your heart.

The weary traveler isn’t simply given strength to continue the journey—he is carried on eagles’ wings. What a glorious gospel! It doesn’t wait for us to find the grace we need but brings grace to us, even before we ask for it. There is as much glory in the giving as in the gift itself. Blessed are we who have the Holy Spirit to bring Jesus and all His blessings directly to our hearts!