How can we avoid the lack of "truth, loving devotion, or knowledge" today? A Wake-Up Call from Hosea 4:1 “Hear the word of the LORD, O children of Israel, for the LORD has a case against the inhabitants of the land: ‘There is no truth, no loving devotion, and no knowledge of God in the land!’” The Three Missing Essentials • Truth – rock-solid conformity to God’s reality and Word • Loving devotion – covenant loyalty that shows itself in self-giving love • Knowledge of God – intimate, practiced understanding of who He is and what He desires Cultivating Truth in Daily Life • Submit every claim to Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16-17) • Speak honestly even when it costs (Ephesians 4:25) • Reject half-truths, gossip, and click-bait headlines; check sources before sharing • Let your “yes” be yes and your “no” be no (Matthew 5:37) Growing Loving Devotion • Remember God’s steadfast love toward you (Lamentations 3:22-23); gratitude fuels loyalty • Practice tangible acts of kindness—especially toward those who cannot repay (Luke 6:35) • Forgive quickly, because grudges choke devotion (Colossians 3:13) • Serve within your local church; commitment to God is proven in commitment to His people (1 John 4:20-21) Pursuing Knowledge of God • Read the Bible systematically, not sporadically (Psalm 1:2) • Meditate—turn verses over in your mind until they shape your thinking (Joshua 1:8) • Apply what you learn; obedience deepens understanding (John 7:17) • Learn in community—join a study group or mentor relationship (Acts 2:42) Keeping All Three Together Truth without love becomes harsh. Love without truth drifts into sentimentality. Knowledge without either grows cold and proud. Stay balanced by: • Daily Bible intake (truth) • Active service (loving devotion) • Ongoing discipleship (knowledge) Practical Next Steps 1. Set a reading plan—one Gospel chapter and one Psalm each day. 2. Choose one person to bless this week with an anonymous gift or act of service. 3. Memorize Hosea 4:1; let it guard your heart when compromise tempts you. 4. Schedule a monthly check-in with a mature believer to discuss what you’re learning. Key Supporting Scriptures • Proverbs 3:3-4 – “Do not let loving devotion and faithfulness leave you…” • 1 John 3:18 – “Let us love not in word and speech, but in action and truth.” • Hosea 6:3 – “Let us press on to know the LORD.” • Philippians 1:9 – “That your love may abound more and more in knowledge and every kind of discernment.” |
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