Hosea 14

The Explanation

Come, sit close. I will tell you a story from the Bible.

Long, long ago, God had a big family. That family was called Israel. God loved them very, very much. But the children of Israel had run away from God. They did naughty things. They forgot about God.

That made God sad. So sad.

But God did not stop loving them. No, never. God sent a man called Hosea. Hosea had to tell them something important. Listen carefully.

Hosea said, "Come back! Come back to God! God is waiting for you."

And Hosea told them what to say to God. "God, we are sorry. We were not good. Please, please forgive us. We want to come home to You."

What Does This Mean?

And do you know what God said back? God said something wonderful. God said, "I love you. I am not angry anymore. I will heal you."

God said, "You will be like a beautiful flower. Like a pretty lily in the field. You will smell so sweet. Like a big, strong tree with lots of leaves."

Can you imagine? A flower opening up in the sun. A tree with birds singing in the branches. That is how happy God's children would be again.

God is like the rain. Soft rain that makes everything grow. When God comes close, hearts start to bloom.

The Common Thread

God always, always wants His children to come home. Even when they run away, God keeps waiting.

That is why God sent Jesus. Jesus came all the way down to earth. Jesus came to find people who ran away. Jesus said, "Come to Me. I will bring you home to God."

Jesus is like a big, warm hug from God. Come home, come home, He whispers. I love you.

For You

Sometimes you do something naughty. Maybe you hit your little brother. Maybe you shout at Mommy. Maybe you take a cookie you were not allowed to have.

Then your tummy feels funny. A little sad inside.

You know what you can do? You can say, "I am sorry." To Mommy. To Daddy. And also to God.

And God will smile. God will say, "Come here, My child. I love you. Come close." Just like the sun on a flower. Just like soft rain on the grass.

You can always come back to God. Always. No matter what.

Talk About It

Have you ever said sorry to someone? How did that feel afterwards?

God says you can be like a beautiful flower. What is your favorite flower?

Praying Together

Dear God,

Thank You that You love me.

Even when I do something wrong.

I am sorry for the naughty things.

Please make my heart like a flower.

Warm and happy with You.

Thank You for Jesus.

Amen.