The book of Hosea...
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The book of Hosea is all about forgiveness -- the forgiveness of the prostitute, of the whore Israel, and of us. John Calvin beautifully unpacks how God's forgiveness emerges even in the midst of all the talk of judgment in the Old Testament:
"And if any person be disposed to inquire how it comes to pass that the prophet, after treating the judgments and severity of God now makes mention of his loving-kindness, I answer, that his loving-kindness shines most conspicuously and occupies a very prominent place in all that he does; for he is naturally prone, to loving-kindness, but which also he draws us to himself" (Calvin's Commentaries, Vol. VI/1, p. 267).
God's love draws us out of ourselves, and then tenderly excuses us. Late medieval English mystic Julian of Norwich made this point: "And so it goes with all of us who are sinners. But though it is true that we do this frequently, His goodness never allows us to be alone. Continuously he is with us, tenderly he excuses us, and always he shields us from blame in his sight" (The Revelation of Divine Love, p. 203).
"And if any person be disposed to inquire how it comes to pass that the prophet, after treating the judgments and severity of God now makes mention of his loving-kindness, I answer, that his loving-kindness shines most conspicuously and occupies a very prominent place in all that he does; for he is naturally prone, to loving-kindness, but which also he draws us to himself" (Calvin's Commentaries, Vol. VI/1, p. 267).
God's love draws us out of ourselves, and then tenderly excuses us. Late medieval English mystic Julian of Norwich made this point: "And so it goes with all of us who are sinners. But though it is true that we do this frequently, His goodness never allows us to be alone. Continuously he is with us, tenderly he excuses us, and always he shields us from blame in his sight" (The Revelation of Divine Love, p. 203).
