14 July | Teens
«“Return, O backsliding children,” says the Lord; “for I am married to you. I will take you, one from a city and two from a family, and I will bring you to Zion.» Jeremiah 3: 14
In Jeremiah 3:6 to 21, we find a sobering story about how unfaithful Israel was to God. It's like when someone promises to be your friend and take care of the friendship, but then forgets those promises and makes choices that hurt the friends involved. God had a special relationship with Israel, as a very close friend or even part of the family, but the people of Israel began to follow other paths, worshipping idols and forgetting the laws and the love God had for them.
Through Jeremiah, God called Israel an “unfaithful wife” because they had broken their promise to be faithful to Him alone. It is sad, because it shows that they chose other things instead of the friendship and care that God offered. But even with this sadness, God did not give up on Israel. Because God doesn't give up on us! He talks about giving it another chance, about forgiving and rebuilding that broken friendship.
This teaches us something very important about God: even when we make mistakes or stray from the right path, God is ready to forgive us and give us another chance. It doesn't matter where we've gone, what we've done. If we repent, God will forgive us! He expects us to return to His ways, like a friend who has not given up on friendship, even when things have gotten tough.
Take Action
Think of someone with whom you may have been unfaithful or careless in your friendship. Write a message to that person, apologizing and telling them how you want to be a better friend. This is a way to practice forgiveness and reconciliation, just as God does with us.