God’s Love Through Our Unfaithfulness

I believe it’s time we had a candid discussion about the ebb and flow of a relationship with God—a journey many of us can relate to in various seasons. In popular culture, this portrayal often leans toward a life of complete surrender and unwavering devotion to Christ. While we may project joy and kindness outwardly, inwardly, we might grapple with guilt, fear, and even self-condemnation. A relationship with Christ can resemble the unpredictable twists and turns of a rollercoaster; you’re never quite certain when the next drop is coming, but you know it’s on its way. The highs can be exhilarating, while the lows can be gut-wrenching.

During my personal Bible study this week, I came across Isaiah 57:17-19 (NLT), and an instant pit formed in my stomach. Verse 17 says, “I was angry, so I punished these greedy people. I withdrew from them, but they kept going their own stubborn way.” In this chapter, God spoke about the spiritual adultery occurring within the people of Judah and Israel. They had turned away from Him and started serving other idols. Though God had made a covenant with them, they chose to be unfaithful instead. It is easy to look at this verse and feel disdain for the characters in the story; however, I immediately felt conviction in my heart that the Lord was speaking to me.

Our Unfaithfulness Towards God

Our unfaithfulness towards God isn’t always overt. It often begins with a fleeting thought to achieve something in our own strength, or we might find ourselves resorting to counterfeit means to cope with emotions God has given us. In the context of marriage, unfaithfulness isn’t always physical; it can also be emotional. It becomes emotional when we allow others to fulfill our intimate and emotional needs instead of turning to our partner. This truth about our unfaithfulness to God is uncomfortable for many of us to confront. We’d like to believe that our routine prayers and church attendance suffice. Yet, God desires our entire being, not just our outward acts of worship.

However, even in our stubbornness and desire to achieve things on our own, God’s mercy prevails. Verse 18 proclaims, “I have seen what they do, but I will heal them anyway! I will lead them. I will comfort those who mourn, bringing words of praise to their lips. May they have abundant peace, both near and far,” says the Lord who heals them. As I read this now, tears well up in my eyes. God’s love for us surpasses His anger. He is the only one who can reconcile two truths: that we are undeserving of Him, yet He gives us Himself anyway.

God Desires to Restore Us

To many of us today, this act of loving beyond affliction may seem foolish. However, when we truly repent of our pride, lust, and selfishness, God is ready and willing to restore us as His people. In this case, God didn’t even wait for the people of Judah and Israel to acknowledge their wrongs. Instead, He showcased vulnerability, shared how He felt, and expressed His love for them regardless of their behavior. This demonstrates the profound nature of divine love—one that extends grace even when we least deserve it.

It serves as a reminder that true restoration begins with humility and an openness to reconnect, no matter the circumstances. By embracing this model of love, we not only receive healing but also learn to extend it to others, creating a cycle of forgiveness and understanding that enriches our relationships and strengthens our faith. Ultimately, we are called to mirror this unconditional love in our own lives, fostering compassion and acceptance in a world that often prioritizes judgment and division.

Today’s devotion inspired by // Isaiah 57:17-19 NLT

Reflect & Journal // In what areas of your life have you been unfaithful to God? Prayerfully list them and maybe the why behind it. How can you invite God back into your heart with humility and trust?