Come, Let Us Return unto the Lord

“Come, and let us return unto the LORD: for he hath torn, and he will heal us; he hath smitten, and he will bind us up.” — Hosea 6:1

There is a holy invitation in these words. Not a threat. Not a rejection. An invitation.

Come. Return.

Hosea was speaking to a people who had wandered far from God. They were not ignorant of Him — they knew His ways, His law, His covenant — yet they had drifted, compromised, and hardened their hearts. Still, God’s call through the prophet was not final judgment, but mercy: “Come, and let us return unto the LORD.”

That same call is being extended today.

When the Lord Chastens, It Is Not to Destroy

There are seasons when God allows pain, loss, or disruption to touch our lives. Sometimes it feels as though He has “torn” or “smitten” us, just as Hosea describes. For many, this becomes the reason they run. They assume God is angry, distant, or finished with them.

But Scripture tells us something very different.

“For whom the LORD loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.” (Hebrews 12:6)

Chastening is not rejection — it is proof of sonship. God disciplines not to push us away, but to pull us back from paths that destroy us. When correction comes, it is meant to awaken us, not crush us.

Hosea 6:1 reminds us that the same God who wounds is the God who heals. The same hand that allows discipline is the hand that binds up and restores.

To the Prodigal: The Door Is Still Open

Perhaps you once walked closely with the Lord, but somewhere along the way, life became heavy. A prayer went unanswered. A sin entangled you. A season of correction hurt more than you expected. Instead of drawing nearer, you pulled away.

If that is you, hear this clearly: the Father is still watching the road.

Jesus told of a son who wasted his inheritance and ended up broken and ashamed. Yet the turning point came with a simple decision:

“I will arise and go to my father.” (Luke 15:18)

When the prodigal returned, he was not met with condemnation, but compassion.

“But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran.” (Luke 15:20)

God has not changed. He is not waiting to shame you — He is waiting to restore you.

Repentance Is the Road Home

Returning to the Lord always begins with repentance. Not excuses. Not self-justification. Just honesty before God.

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)

Repentance is not about groveling — it is about turning. Turning from sin. Turning from pride. Turning from self-reliance. And turning back to the God who heals.

The Lord Himself invites us:

“Return unto me, and I will return unto you, saith the LORD of hosts.” (Malachi 3:7)

Today Is the Day to Return

Hosea does not say, “Come later.” He says, Come. Now. Together. Without delay.

If your heart has grown cold, return.
If correction made you bitter, return.
If shame has kept you away, return.
If you are weary of running, return.

God is not finished with you.

“The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.” (Psalm 103:8)

Let today be the day you stop running and start returning. The Lord who allowed the wound stands ready to heal it. The God who corrected you longs to restore you.

Come, and let us return unto the LORD.