Why is God Mad? (1) – The Story through Hosea

It’s almost Easter and usually around Easter people think about religion, church or God. I mean you
might have friends, coworkers, classmates that don’t usually go to church, but when Easter rolls around
suddenly they feel the urge to need to go to church. Suddenly they start thinking about God and maybe
there is a God after all. I don’t know what people think about when they think about God, but my hunch
is if you ask 10 people they will probably give you 10 different answers about their views of God.
If you’ve ever read the Bible, you know that God demonstrates his kindness and compassion in lots of
different ways. But there are also parts of the Bible where God comes off outright angry, jealous, and
wrathful. While it’s easy for us to imagine God in all his love and mercy, it can be hard to make sense of
a loving God who demonstrates his anger. That polarity may even cause some to walk away from God.
But the reality is that there are times when God expresses his anger. And instead of simply walking
away, let’s ask the question, “Why is God so mad?”
Moving Forward
This week, identify some issues in your heart that are drawing you away from loving God completely and
renew your commitment of love for Him.
Discussion Questions
1. What words would you use to describe God?
2. If you were in God’s shoes looking down at your life, is there anything you would see that would make
you mad?
3. Read Hosea 1:1-3. The story of Hosea and Gomer serves as an illustration of God’s relationship with
his people. Interestingly, Hosea experiences betrayal. In what ways has the pattern of betrayal between
God and his people continued to this day?
4. As a result of his people’s actions, God expresses his anger and jealousy. How do you respond when
you feel betrayed?
5. Sometimes we tend to cut off the relationships that frustrate or hurt us. But God’s response
has always been, “I’m not going anywhere.” How do you respond to God’s commitment in your
relationships?