Reflection
In today's readings, we see God's relentless love confronting human unfaithfulness. Hosea 7-10 reveals God's heart breaking over Israel's persistent rebellion yet refusing to abandon His people completely. Matthew 18 demonstrates this same pursuing love through Jesus' teachings on humility, restoration, and unlimited forgiveness, showing that God's grace calls us to extend the same mercy to others.

The key insight we can draw from these passages is this: God's love persistently pursues us despite our failures, calling us to extend the same forgiveness and restoration to others that we have received.

Let's break this down into a simple principle:

Embrace God's unfailing love and extend unlimited forgiveness to others, actively pursuing restoration in relationships.

Here are five practical steps we can take to apply today's readings:

1. Write down one area where you've been unfaithful to God and ask for His forgiveness.

2. Identify someone who has hurt you and take one step toward forgiveness today.

3. Reach out to someone who has drifted away from faith or community.

4. Examine your heart for pride and choose one way to practice humility this week.

5. Have a difficult conversation with someone to restore a damaged relationship.

As you go about your day, reflect on this question: How does God's persistent love challenge your tendency to give up on difficult relationships?

Conclusion
Thank you for joining me today. God's love never gives up on us, and He calls us to extend that same persistent love to others. Let His unfailing grace transform how you approach difficult relationships. Until tomorrow, may you experience His love that never quits.