Why is God Mad? (2) – The End of His Madness

The undeniable message in Christianity is that God loves us. Yet, there are vivid examples throughout
the Bible of God expressing his anger and wrath. Last week we began to investigate a little bit through
the book of Hosea why God is angry. Is it as easy as assuming that when we live obediently he’s happy,
and when we fail to make morally-sound decisions, he gets upset? Or does this tension in God’s
relationship with us tell us something deeper about his character?

Furthermore, when God does get mad, what does he do with his anger? The story of Hosea shows us
that God does something unbelievable and unthinkable with his anger. It is a story that foreshadows
what Christ did for us on the cross. And by the end of the story, hopefully, we realize that we aren’t
objects of his anger, but examples of his mercy. How does understanding God’s wrath better help you
appreciate God’s mercy and forgiveness?

Moving Forward

This week, find one way you can be more merciful or forgiving to someone who would normally not
deserve it.

Discussion Questions
1. Apart from seeing the crime and injustices in the world, what makes you angry? What is it that
people do that really upsets you?
2. Do you tend to hold in your anger or do you lash out at others? What do you do with your anger?
3. Read Hosea 3:1-3. Hosea buys back his own wife. How does this story illustrate God’s relationship
with us?
4. Do you agree with this statement: “People don’t understand the full extent of God’s grace until
they’ve reached rock bottom”?
5. In this story, Gomer undeservedly receives mercy and forgiveness. How does the story of Hosea and
Gomer serve as a picture of Christ’s love? What does the story of Hosea compel you to do?