Main Idea

Everybody we’ve ever known has a line. A parent, a friend, a spouse, even us. Love goes so far, and then it stops. So we assume God works the same way, and some of us are pretty sure we’ve already crossed His line. But what if the first time God described Himself, He said it to people who had just crossed every line there was?

Scripture

Exodus 34:6-7
6 And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, “The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, 7 maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children and their children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation.”

Deuteronomy 7:7-9
7 The LORD did not set his affection on you and choose you because you were more numerous than other peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples. 8 But it was because the LORD loved you and kept the oath he swore to your ancestors that he brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the land of slavery, from the power of Pharaoh king of Egypt. 9 Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments.

Hosea 3:1-2
1 The LORD said to me, “Go, show your love to your wife again, though she is loved by another man and is an adulteress. Love her as the LORD loves the Israelites, though they turn to other gods and love the sacred raisin cakes.” 2 So I bought her for fifteen shekels of silver and about a homer and a lethek of barley.

John 1:14
14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

2 Timothy 2:13
13 if we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself.

Discovery Bible Questions

1. What does this passage teach us about God? Notice what He says about Himself, and when He chooses to say it.
2. What does this passage teach us about people? Think about what Israel had just done at the foot of the mountain.
3. How will you obey this? Where have you drawn a line in your love, and what is one way you can love someone with loyal love this week?
4. Who needs to hear this? Who in your life thinks they’ve crossed God’s line, and how will you share this with them?