Scripture: Hosea 3:1-5                    

1Then the Lord said to me, “Go again, love a woman who is loved by a lover and is committing adultery, just like the love of the Lord for the children of Israel, who look to other gods and love the raisin cakes of the pagans.”

2So I bought her for myself for fifteen shekels of silver, and one and one-half homers of barley. 3And I said to her, “You shall stay with me many days; you shall not play the harlot, nor shall you have a man—so, too, will I be toward you.”

4For the children of Israel shall abide many days without king or prince, without sacrifice or sacred pillar, without ephod or teraphim. 5Afterward the children of Israel shall return and seek the Lord their God and David their king. They shall fear the Lord and His goodness in the latter days.

Title: Improving Relationships

Here we have the story of a man named Hosea.  Hosea wasn’t just any man he was a preacher, a prophet, a husband, and a father. We have to understand that thee name “Hosea” means, “salvation.”  When you study the live of Hose one can conclude that he lived up to his name.  One of the main reasons we can agree to this is because this man had to spend many times saving his wife from herself.  As we study Hosea and his wife Gomer we find lessons on the ability to Improve Relationships.  Not just relationships with your mate but with anyone you’re in connection with. 

We know one of the reasons this story is in the bible as it’s a reminder how the Israelites were more interested in worshiping idols than worshiping Jehovah. They were prone to wander and prone to leave the God they loved.  How many of us have wandered away from God looking for better only to return wishing we never left.

How can we improve our relationships to be better and more fulfilling?  Here are the 3 ways we can do that.

Point 1 Improve your relationships by understanding boundaries

One of the things I discuss when I’m doing counseling sessions is what’s your boundaries/breaking point of my marriage to let the person know up front to not step over those boundaries.  When you think about sports, basketball, baseball, football, soccer all have out of bounds lines to let everyone know up front of you step out you’re out of bounds.  One of the things I’ve found out is that some people expect others to just know but unfortunately some people don’t know.  There should be boundaries even when it comes to your friendships, there are certain lines people shouldn’t cross out of respect.  Now, lets’ take it back to the spiritual realm, when Moses came from the mountain and brought us the 10 commandments it was to let us know that God has given us certain boundaries that we shouldn’t cross.  Be willing to set and discuss boundaries when you enter into relationships. 

Point 2 Improve your relationships by understanding bucks

When Hosea finds Gomer, it seems like she has been sold into slavery or involved in terrible situation like prostitution.  Not only did this woman commit adultery but now Hosea has to spend money in order to get her back. Hosea willingly paid the whole price to redeem Gomer from the situation she found herself in.  Think about this and let me ask you this question, are you willing to look like a fool when it comes to the person that you love?  Hosea was willing to look like a fool to maintain the marriage that he believed God called him to have.  I’m not talking about abusive (physical, emotional, or mental) relationship, but relationships that sometimes it doesn’t seem worth it.  Hosea kept giving the relationship his all and you will find out some relationships will cost you more than you anticipated. 

When you think about this be mindful about the love that Jesus has for each one of us because it cost Him more than just silver and gold it cost His life.  I’m not saying that it should cost you that but I am saying we need to understand that “bucks” are necessary to have a successful relationship.  Some people won’t spend on you or pay the price that you spend on them. 

Point 3 Improve your relationships by understanding blessings

After Hosea took time to get his wife back you will see that she was very appreciative. 

There is no record after this moment of any discord in Hosea and Gomer’s home. Their marriage has been restored and their family has been reunited. What we see here then, is a picture of absolute commitment on the part of both the husband and the wife.  One of the reasons for this is because they understood it was a blessing to be in the relationship with the person they are in a relationship with.  When we understand blessings aren’t only for material things but also apply to relationships our appreciation for connections will change.

When she understood the blessing that she had there was a peace in the home and things went smooth from that point forward.  She didn’t know what she had until it was gone and today I hope you appreciate what you have before it’s too late.  Sometimes we have to grow up in order to understand what we have.