I desire faithful love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God instead of entirely burned offerings.

Hosea 6:6 (ceb)

It seems too harsh for us to consider God punishing the ones He loves. But most of the time, this punishment is simply the natural consequences of our stubborn idolatries, allegiances, desires, and addictions. They are the result of God “giving us over” to what we say we want.

You want to serve other gods? Go, be in their care!

You want to lust after others? Deal with the failed relationships and diseases that follow.

Should we choose our way rather than God’s, He won’t stop us; and woe to us if that happens!

“Lord, forgive us when we demand our own way and bring us back to Yours – always!”

SCRIPTURES