Return to the LORD
Hosea 14:1-2
O Israel, return to the LORD your God, for you have stumbled because of your iniquity; take words with you, and return to the LORD. Say to Him, “Take away all iniquity; receive us graciously, for we will offer the sacrifices of our lips.”
When we have broken God’s laws and turned from His ways, He calls on us to return—to repent.
Hosea compares words of repentance with sacrifices (literally “bull calves”) of our lips. Heartfelt words of repentance mean more to God than half-hearted giving of sacrifices.
For more about repentance and forgiveness, see our sections on “Repentance” and “Forgiveness.”
