Covenant Love: Commitment in Marriage and the Church

Devotional

Day 1: God’s Relentless Covenant Love for His People

Even when God’s people are unfaithful, He pursues them with relentless love, seeking to restore and renew the relationship. The story of Hosea and Gomer is a vivid picture of God’s heart toward His people: though Israel chased after other lovers and forgot the One who provided for her, God did not abandon her. Instead, He promised to win her back, to speak tenderly, and to transform her valley of trouble into a gateway of hope. This is the love that does not give up, that pays the price to bring us home, and that invites us into a covenant relationship not based on our worthiness, but on His faithfulness. [03:21]

Hosea 2:2-9, 14-20 (NLT)
“But now bring charges against Israel—your mother—for she is no longer my wife, and I am no longer her husband. Tell her to remove the prostitute’s makeup from her face and the clothing that exposes her breasts. Otherwise, I will strip her as naked as she was on the day she was born. I will leave her to die of thirst, as in a dry and barren wilderness. And I will not love her children, for they were conceived in prostitution. Their mother is a shameless prostitute and became pregnant in a shameful way. She said, ‘I’ll run after other lovers and sell myself to them for food and water, for clothing of wool and linen, and for olive oil and drinks.’ For this reason I will fence her in with thornbushes. I will block her path with a wall to make her lose her way. When she runs after her lovers, she won’t be able to catch them. She will search for them but not find them. Then she will think, ‘I might as well return to my husband, for I was better off with him than I am now.’ She doesn’t realize it was I who gave her everything she has—the grain, the new wine, the olive oil; I even gave her silver and gold. But she gave all my gifts to Baal. But now I will take back the ripened grain and new wine I generously provided each harvest season. I will take away the wool and linen clothing I gave her to cover her nakedness...
But then I will win her back once again. I will lead her into the desert and speak tenderly to her there. I will return her vineyards to her and transform the Valley of Trouble into a gateway of hope. She will give herself to me there, as she did long ago when she was young, when I freed her from her captivity in Egypt. When that day comes,” says the Lord, “you will call me ‘my husband’ instead of ‘my master.’ O Israel, I will wipe the many names of Baal from your lips, and you will never mention them again. On that day I will make a covenant with all the wild animals and the birds of the sky and the animals that scurry along the ground so they will not harm you. I will remove all weapons of war from the land, all swords and bows, so you can live unafraid in peace and safety. I will make you my wife forever, showing you righteousness and justice, unfailing love and compassion. I will be faithful to you and make you mine, and you will finally know me as the Lord.”

Reflection: Where in your life have you been running after “other lovers”—things or people you’ve looked to for fulfillment instead of God? What would it look like to return to Him today and let Him speak tenderly to your heart?

Day 2: The Church as the Bride of Christ

The church is not just a collection of activities or a social club; it is the beloved bride of Christ, chosen and cherished by Him. Our relationship with God and with each other in the church is meant to mirror the intimacy, commitment, and love of a marriage. This means that how we speak about, treat, and value the church deeply matters to Jesus. To dishonor the church is to dishonor the one Christ loves most. We are called to see the church through God’s eyes: as a family, as a covenant community, and as the precious bride for whom Christ gave everything. [16:58]

Ephesians 5:25-27 (ESV)
Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.

Reflection: How do you speak about and treat the church? What is one way you can honor Christ’s bride this week, even if you’ve been hurt or disappointed by her?

Day 3: Give Respect and Choose Submission

Mutual respect and submission are foundational to life in the church, just as they are in a healthy marriage. The church is the environment where we learn to honor one another, submit to Christ, and submit to each other out of reverence for Him. This is not about blind obedience, but about choosing to value others, to be accountable, and to allow God to shape us through relationships. When we see each other as the bride of Christ, we treat each other with dignity and love, creating a context for real growth and maturity. [22:07]

Ephesians 5:22-24 (ESV)
Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands.

Reflection: Who in your church community do you find it hardest to honor or submit to? What is one step you can take this week to show them Christlike respect or humility?

Day 4: Love Sacrificially Within the Church

The defining mark of Christian community is sacrificial love—a love that puts others’ needs above our own, that is willing to be wronged, to forgive, and to serve for the good of others. This kind of love is not just a feeling but a choice, practiced in the everyday moments of church life: when someone takes your seat, when you’re overlooked, or when conflict arises. The world will know we are Christ’s disciples by the way we love one another, especially within the church. [27:43]

John 13:34-35 (ESV)
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.

Reflection: Think of a recent situation in church where you felt slighted or overlooked. How can you respond with sacrificial love, as Christ has loved you?

Day 5: Commit Completely to the Body of Christ

True flourishing and maturity in the Christian life come from a deep, unwavering commitment to the church—not just to Jesus, but to His people. Like a marriage, this commitment means staying when things are hard, investing in relationships, and creating a safe environment for growth. The early church modeled radical devotion to one another, and God used their unity and love to draw others to Himself. In a culture that values convenience and self-interest, God calls us to a higher standard: to be all in, to join, and to build His family together. [39:58]

Acts 2:42-47 (ESV)
And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

Reflection: What is one practical way you can deepen your commitment to your church family this week—whether through service, presence, or intentional relationship?

Sermon Summary

The story of Hosea and Gomer is a powerful picture of God’s relentless, covenant love for His people, even when they are unfaithful. Just as Hosea pursued and redeemed Gomer, God pursues us, His bride, even when we chase after other “lovers”—the things of this world that promise fulfillment but leave us empty. God’s love is not transactional or based on our performance; it is rooted in His commitment and faithfulness. This is the foundation of our relationship with Him, and it is also the model for how we are to relate to one another in the church.

Marriage is a unique relationship, deeper than friendship or even family, because it is built on a covenant—a binding promise to love, honor, and remain committed, even when it’s hard. In the same way, our relationship with the church is not meant to be consumeristic or conditional. We are not called to “church shop” or to stay only as long as our needs are met. Instead, we are called to a deep, sacrificial commitment to one another, mirroring the love Christ has for His bride.

The church is not just a collection of programs, events, or ministries. It is a living community, a family, and most importantly, the bride of Christ. How we treat the church is how we treat Jesus’ beloved. When we criticize, abandon, or devalue the church, we are, in effect, dishonoring Christ’s bride. Yet, the church is also the place where we are formed, challenged, and matured. It is where we learn to submit, to honor, to love sacrificially, and to commit completely—not because it’s always easy, but because it’s God’s design for our flourishing.

True discipleship cannot happen in isolation. Just as a marriage requires both partners to be “all in,” so too does our life in the church. We are called to mutual submission, sacrificial love, and unwavering commitment. This is not just for our own benefit, but so that the world might see the reality of God’s love through our relationships. The church is God’s chosen means for our growth, healing, and witness. Even when the church is imperfect, we are called to love, honor, and commit, trusting that God is at work to make His bride beautiful.

Key Takeaways

1. Covenant Love Over Transactional Relationships God’s love for His people is covenantal, not based on what we can offer Him, but on His unchanging commitment. This challenges us to move beyond transactional relationships in the church, where we stay only as long as our needs are met, and instead embrace a love that endures through difficulty and disappointment. Our value and the value of others in the church is not determined by usefulness, but by God’s choice and love. [06:44]
2. The Church as the Bride of Christ The church is not merely an organization or a set of activities; it is the beloved bride of Christ. How we speak about, treat, and commit to the church reflects our reverence for Jesus Himself. Criticizing or abandoning the church is akin to dishonoring Christ’s chosen spouse, and we will give account for how we have treated His bride. [16:58]
3. Mutual Submission and Honor as the Context for Growth True spiritual maturity is cultivated in an environment of mutual submission, respect, and honor. The church is where we learn to esteem others, submit to one another, and be accountable, which are essential for discipleship and growth. Without this context, we remain spiritually immature, unable to experience the fullness of what God intends for us. [23:12]
4. Sacrificial Love as the Mark of Discipleship Jesus said the world would know we are His disciples by our love for one another—not just any love, but sacrificial, self-giving love. This kind of love is not optional; it is the evidence that we have truly encountered God’s grace. The church is the training ground where we practice and demonstrate this love, especially when it is inconvenient or costly. [27:43]
5. Complete Commitment Brings Flourishing Just as a stable marriage provides the environment for growth and flourishing, so does a committed relationship with the church. When we are “all in,” refusing to run at the first sign of trouble, we create a safe space for ourselves and others to mature, heal, and become fruitful. The lack of this commitment is a root cause of instability and immaturity in many Christian lives today. [37:16]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[03:21] - The Gift and Journey of Marriage
[04:58] - The Foundation of Commitment
[05:56] - One-Sided Relationships: Israel, Gomer, and God
[07:52] - Jesus and the Church: The True Bride
[08:55] - What Is the Church?
[09:43] - The Lifeboat Ethic: How We Value People
[12:01] - Consumerism and Commitment in Church
[14:17] - Judging the Bride of Christ
[16:19] - Dealing with Sin and the Church’s High Calling
[17:34] - Marriage as Covenant: Tim Keller’s Insight
[19:54] - Respect, Submission, and the Church
[23:12] - Honor, Accountability, and Growth
[26:45] - Sacrificial Love: The Mark of Discipleship
[31:58] - Complete Commitment: Flourishing in the Church
[37:16] - Immaturity and the “All About Me” Mentality
[39:20] - Hosea’s Redemption: God’s Pursuit of His Bride
[42:21] - The Church as a Place of Growth and Maturity
[45:41] - The Ideal of Church as Family
[48:02] - Healing from Church Hurt and Returning to Community
[49:16] - Invitation to Commit and Pray

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Hosea 2:2-9, 14-20 (ESV) — 2 “Plead with your mother, plead—for she is not my wife, and I am not her husband—that she put away her whoring from her face, and her adultery from between her breasts;
3 lest I strip her naked and make her as in the day she was born, and make her like a wilderness, and make her like a parched land, and kill her with thirst.
4 Upon her children also I will have no mercy, because they are children of whoredom.
5 For their mother has played the whore; she who conceived them has acted shamefully. For she said, ‘I will go after my lovers, who give me my bread and my water, my wool and my flax, my oil and my drink.’
6 Therefore I will hedge up her way with thorns, and I will build a wall against her, so that she cannot find her paths.
7 She shall pursue her lovers but not overtake them, and she shall seek them but shall not find them. Then she shall say, ‘I will go and return to my first husband, for it was better for me then than now.’
8 And she did not know that it was I who gave her the grain, the wine, and the oil, and who lavished on her silver and gold, which they used for Baal.
9 Therefore I will take back my grain in its time, and my wine in its season, and I will take away my wool and my flax, which were to cover her nakedness.
...
14 “Therefore, behold, I will allure her, and bring her into the wilderness, and speak tenderly to her.
15 And there I will give her her vineyards and make the Valley of Achor a door of hope. And there she shall answer as in the days of her youth, as at the time when she came out of the land of Egypt.
16 “And in that day, declares the LORD, you will call me ‘My Husband,’ and no longer will you call me ‘My Baal.’
17 For I will remove the names of the Baals from her mouth, and they shall be remembered by name no more.
18 And I will make for them a covenant on that day with the beasts of the field, the birds of the heavens, and the creeping things of the ground. And I will abolish the bow, the sword, and war from the land, and I will make you lie down in safety.
19 And I will betroth you to me forever. I will betroth you to me in righteousness and in justice, in steadfast love and in mercy.
20 I will betroth you to me in faithfulness. And you shall know the LORD.

Ephesians 5:22-27 (ESV) — 22 Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord.
23 For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior.
24 Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands.
25 Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her,
26 that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word,
27 so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.

John 13:34-35 (ESV) — 34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.
35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.

Observation Questions

In Hosea 2, what actions does God take toward Israel after her unfaithfulness, and what does this reveal about His character?
According to Ephesians 5, how is the relationship between Christ and the church compared to marriage?
In John 13:34-35, what does Jesus say will show the world that we are His disciples?
In the sermon, what are some ways people treat church as a “consumer” experience rather than a covenant relationship? [[12:01]]

Interpretation Questions

What does God’s pursuit of Israel, even after her unfaithfulness, teach us about the nature of His love and commitment? How does this challenge our own approach to relationships in the church? [[06:44]]
The sermon says, “How we treat the church is how we treat Jesus’ beloved.” What are the implications of this for how we speak about and interact with the church? [[16:58]]
Why is mutual submission and honor within the church described as essential for spiritual growth and maturity? [[23:12]]
The sermon talks about sacrificial love as the mark of discipleship. What does sacrificial love look like in the context of church relationships? [[27:43]]

Application Questions

The story of Hosea and Gomer shows God’s relentless love even when we are unfaithful. Is there an area in your life where you have been “chasing other lovers” instead of being committed to God and His people? What would it look like to return? [[06:44]]
Have you ever found yourself criticizing or distancing yourself from the church because of its imperfections? How might your attitude change if you saw the church as the beloved bride of Christ? [[16:58]]
The sermon challenges us to move beyond “church shopping” and consumerism. What are some practical steps you can take to deepen your commitment to your local church, even when it’s hard or inconvenient? [[12:01]]
Think about a time when you were tempted to leave a church or group because your needs weren’t being met. How might a covenant mindset have changed your response? [[30:46]]
The sermon says that true discipleship cannot happen in isolation. Are you currently “all in” with your church community, or are you holding back? What is one step you can take this week to move toward deeper connection and accountability? [[37:16]]
Sacrificial love means loving others even when it costs us something. Is there someone in your church family you find difficult to love? What is one specific way you can show them Christ-like love this week? [[27:43]]
If you have experienced hurt or disappointment in church, what would it look like to pursue healing and re-engage with the community, trusting that God is at work to make His bride beautiful? [[48:02]]

Sermon Clips

The church is the relationship of people with God and each other. That's what the church is. The church is the dynamic of God mixing with people and people mixing with each other and together having a relationship that is supposed to mirror a marriage. The scripture says that this is a mystery. And this mystery of what is the church and the relationship of the church with God is revealed vaguely in the picture of marriage. And that truth is meant to teach us what life and community is supposed to be like. That truth is supposed to reveal to us how do we live a life that leads to flourishing, that leads to blessing. [00:08:55] (48 seconds) #ChurchReflectsMarriageMystery

But that doesn't change the fact that the church is the bride of Christ. I was, this is perfect timing. God sent me an article. And the title of the article is, You Can't Tell a Guy His Wife is Ugly by Scott McKnight. And I want you to think about that. Guys, you get together, close friends. Guys you would die for. Guys you roll with. There are certain unspoken rules. And one of them is, you don't talk bad about a man's wife, not to his face, and want to be friends. Right? You can say all kinds of stuff about that guy. You can rip on him. You can go off on him. You can mock him. You can make fun of him. You can troll him. You can do all that stuff. But don't talk about his wife. I mean, don't tell, don't tell that your, your best friend that his wife is ugly. But isn't that what we do to Jesus? when we start ripping at the church? Jesus, your wife is ugly. She's stained, hypocrite, full of hypocrite, full of fake, full of ugh. [00:14:56] (72 seconds) #RespectTheBrideOfChrist

See the love of Christians should be as visible to the world as the love of a husband and wife. Jesus said it this way in John chapter 13, when he's speaking to his disciples, he said, a new commandment I give to you that you love one another as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this, all will know that you're my disciples if you have love for one another. How does the world know you're a disciple? By love for who? Who's the one another? The church. Who is he talking to? He's talking to disciples. Did he say love, that you're love for the world? He didn't say that, did he? Did he say love for outsiders? No. He said love for one another, for the disciple, for the fellow brother and sister in the Lord. The way you love them is going to be a testimony to the outside world and they're going to know that God is real. [00:27:37] (57 seconds) #ChurchAsLoveInAction

``If you only have Jesus but you don't have the church you are missing out on what you need to flourish and prosper in life. The early church practiced commitment to each other and devotion to one another and they were radical about it... The result of them doing that daily was that god added to the church daily in other words people were seeing how they loved each other and how they treated each other and how they encouraged one each other and how they created an environment where people who are broken and messed up can grow and and learn and make mistakes and not be kicked out or punished for it not be thrown out the boat because they're not producing but instead nourished and encouraged so that they can be healthy and whole what was the result people were being saved left and right people were looking to them saying y 'all are different y 'all y 'all are different. [00:35:15] (63 seconds) #ChildishFaithHindersGrowth

We have to be converted to the cause of Christ to bring the kingdom of God and prepare people for eternity. What is that? That is us answering the question, who will go? We say that. Don't we say, I do to the Lord. And then we say, I'll go for you. I'll go do what you call me to do. I'll go make a difference. I'll go use my gifts, talents, and abilities. I'll go. I'll go. But we also have to be converted to the church of Christ. Because this is the place where the cause of Christ and Christ himself become ours. This is where we live it out in this relationship. [00:41:07] (41 seconds) #CompleteCommitmentNeeded

Is the church perfect? No. Will the church ever be perfect until the Lord comes back? No. Do we act like the church? Not often, huh? But does that mean we give up on the church? Absolutely not. Absolutely not. It's not enough to say, I do to Jesus. It's not enough to say, I'll go to Jesus. You also have to say, I'll join. I'll join with you, Jesus, and become a partner in this life, in this life. [00:45:31] (34 seconds) #GraceInvitesReturn

I've been there, I know. People stab you in the back, people talk bad about you, people go behind you, it's terrible. People write about you online, people say stuff. It's terrible, I'm so sorry that you've been through that. That's not what the church is supposed to be about. And I'm sorry you've been through that, but I want you to know that we've done God that way, we've run off, we've done other things. And what did God do, he brought us back. He brought us back. And so I wanna invite you to come back to the church. I wanna invite you to really get into the church if you haven't been. I don't want you to feel condemned, I don't want you to feel bad, the Lord doesn't, but I want you to see this is more than just a membership, this is more than just a club, this is more than, this is like a marriage being worked out before the world. God, his people, united together through the spirit and love, amen? [00:48:53] (52 seconds)

Ask a question about this sermon

Chatbot

What is the biblical view of marriage commitment?

How does sacrificial love demonstrate true discipleship?

Why is church loyalty essential for spiritual growth?