February 2023 Column
Relationships
Betrothed!
“I will betroth you to me forever; I will betroth you in righteousness and justice, in love and compassion. I will betroth you in faithfulness, and you will acknowledge the Lord.” Hosea 2:19-20.
It’s the most refreshing feeling to have when you are overtaken by someone’s love for you; the thought that someone chooses you to be a part of their life. It’s easy to only think of this along the lines of a husband-and-wife relationship. Yet, there is an array of relationships that nestles into this thriving space. Have you ever thought of where that type of relationship began? You guessed right, in heaven. The Godhead desired us and chose us for Him, Jesus. He came here not only as a Bridegroom but as a Son, a brother, a friend, and a teacher; addressing every relationship that we know of. What’s even fascinating in this; there is no lack in the relationships He exhibits here on earth.
We were created along the lines of relationship because our God is a relational being. Hosea 2:19-20 highlights the thriving relationship He has with us and the relationship we can have. Betroth in righteousness, justice, lovingkindness, mercy, and faithfulness. Doesn’t that make you all warm and fuzzy inside? God pledges Himself for you in the form of Jesus. The word betroth in origin was “Betruth” which later changed to Betroth. In other words, the thriving relationship then and in this day and age is founded on being true to one another as Christ was to us. Are we able to mirror such a thriving relationship? What does that look like practically? Do we feel this is true for us or it is for someone else only?
Questions for Discussion
Are we able to mirror such a thriving relationship?
What does that look like practically?
Do we feel this is true for us or it is for someone else only?
“And you shall know the LORD” whose knowledge of God in Christ is eternal life. This knowledge follows as a result of loving God because God first loved us.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 depicts one out of the many examples of how we can love and the results to when we best relate in any community we find ourselves in. It is not about what we get but more so what we can offer. This is the relationship shown to us in John 15:13 which says “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends”.
We were chosen and there is no lack when it comes to our personal relationship with the Lord; after all, He betrothed us in His character. May we rest in the promise given in Hosea 2:19-20.
Contributors
Editor

Xiomara Perdomo
Assistant to the President for Mission
Writer

Mechee Cherine
Chapters Director