Read Hosea 1:1-2:1

The opening chapters of Hosea are filled with heavy names and painful realities. Each of Hosea’s children carried a name that reflected Israel’s spiritual condition. Jezreel spoke of scattering and judgment. Lo-Ruhamah meant “Not loved.” Lo-Ammi meant “Not my people.” Every time those names were spoken, they were reminders of broken relationship and the consequences of unfaithfulness.

But then, almost unexpectedly, God changes the names.

Those who were called “Not my people” are now called “My people.”
Those who were called “Not loved” are now called “My loved one.”

The names of judgment are replaced with names of belonging and affection. This is not a small adjustment. It is a complete reversal. God is not merely softening His tone; He is restoring the relationship.

This is the heart of the gospel. God does not just forgive sin; He gives a new identity. He does not simply erase the old name; He replaces it with a new one. Throughout Scripture, God often changes a person’s name to reflect a new purpose—Abram becomes Abraham, Jacob becomes Israel, Simon becomes Peter. God declares who they are in His eyes, even before their lives fully reflect it.

Through Jesus, God does the same for us.

Many of us still carry the weight of old names—failure, unworthy, not good enough, or unlovable. Sometimes those names come from our past mistakes, the words of others, or the quiet accusations in our own hearts.

But God speaks a different word. Where shame says, “You are not loved,” God says, “You are my beloved.” Where guilt says, “You don’t belong,” God says, “You are my people.”

In Christ, the old names do not get the final word. God has spoken a new name over you. You are His. You are loved. You belong.

Reflection Questions:

• What name or identity have you been living under that is not from God?
• How would your life change if you fully believed you are loved by God?
• Who in your life needs to experience God’s love through you?
• What is one practical way you can live as God’s beloved today?

Journaling Prompt:

Write down the phrase: “I am God’s beloved.” Reflect on what that truth means for your daily life.