Love

When you were a child, I loved you
And I you are my son, my daughter

The more I supported you and encouraged you, the further you wanted to be away from me, you chased after others while eagerly running away from me.

I was the one who taught you to walk and run, to be all that you could be, I held you in my arms, but you do not come to me even knowing I have healed your bumps and bruises, and that I fed you and encouraged you.

My heart aches within me
My love for you is warm and tender.

Now read Hosea 11:1-4, 8

Hosea 11:1-4, 8

When Israel was a child, I loved him,and out of Egypt I called my son. The more I called them,the further they went from me; they kept sacrificing to the Baals, and they burned incense to idols. Yet it was I who taught Ephraim to walk; I took them up in my arms, but they did not know that I healed them. I led them with bands of human kindness, with cords of love.  I treated them like those who lift infants to their cheeks; I bent down to them and fed them. How can I give you up, Ephraim?  How can I hand you over, Israel?  How can I make you like Admah?  How can I treat you like Zeboiim?  My heart winces within me;my compassion grows warm and tender.