INTRODUCTION

If you've ever read the Bible, you know that God demonstrates his kindness and compassion in lots of different ways. But there are also parts of the Bible where God comes off outright angry, jealous, and wrathful. While it's easy for us to imagine God in all his love and mercy, it can be hard to make sense of a loving God who demonstrates his anger. That polarity may even cause some to walk away from God. But the reality is that there are times when God expresses his anger. And instead of simply walking away, let's ask the question, "Why is God so mad?"

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. What words do you use to describe God? What words do you use to describe church? What words do you use to describe Christians?
   
   
2. If you were in God's shoes looking down at your life, is there anything you would see that would make you mad?
   
   
3. In some ways, the Old Testament is a story of betrayal. More often than not, the relationship between God and his people was one-sided; God loved his people, but found that they continually directed their affection toward other things. How has this pattern of betrayal between God and his people continued to this day?
   
   
4. Read Hosea 1:1-3. The story of Hosea and Gomer serves as an illustration of God's relationship with his people. Interestingly, Hosea experiences betrayal. When have you experienced feelings of betrayal?
   
   
5. As a result of his people's actions, God expresses his anger and jealousy. How do you respond when you feel betrayed?
   
   
6. Sometimes we tend to cut off the relationships that frustrate or hurt us. But God's response has always been, "I'm not going anywhere." What are some ways you can reflect God's commitment in your relationships?

THINK ABOUT IT

If someone borrows your car and returns it with an empty tank of gas, you're probably not going to let him borrow it again. If your girlfriend cheats on you, you will probably break up with her. But God is not like us. Yes, he may get mad. But he promises never to leave us. And that's God's message - I am not going anywhere. So if God has stayed put, what things in your life are pulling you away from him?

WHAT WILL YOU DO?

This week, identify some issues in your heart that are drawing you away from loving God completely.

CHANGING YOUR MIND

I will show my love to the one I called, 'Not my loved one.'
I will say to those called 'Not my people,' 'You are my people'; and they will say, 'You are my God.'
Hosea 2:23