Hos 14:2 | MHM | STEP | v. 2 : God tells the people how to return to Him: “Take with you words and return to the Lord ” . He does not want sacrifices, but honest, heartfelt prayers—words that come from the heart, not just the lips. When we come to God, we should think carefully about what we say. Our prayers should come from our true feelings and thoughts, using the words and promises found in Scripture and inspired by the Holy Spirit. Repentance must be shown both inwardly, in our hearts, and outwardly, in our lives. v. 2–3 : God helps the people by giving them words to pray. He teaches them to ask for forgiveness: “Take away all iniquity; accept what is good” (Hosea 14:2 ). They should pray for God to remove their sins completely and to receive them with mercy. Only after sin is removed can they expect God’s goodness in their lives. They are also taught to promise gratitude: “So we will render the calves of our lips” (Hosea 14:2 ), meaning they will give God praise and thanksgiving instead of animal sacrifices. True praise comes from a thankful heart and is more pleasing to God than rituals.

‏ Hosea 14:2

v. 2: God tells the people how to return to Him: “Take with you words and return to the Lord” . He does not want sacrifices, but honest, heartfelt prayers—words that come from the heart, not just the lips. When we come to God, we should think carefully about what we say. Our prayers should come from our true feelings and thoughts, using the words and promises found in Scripture and inspired by the Holy Spirit. Repentance must be shown both inwardly, in our hearts, and outwardly, in our lives.

v. 2–3: God helps the people by giving them words to pray. He teaches them to ask for forgiveness: “Take away all iniquity; accept what is good” (Hosea 14:2 ^a). They should pray for God to remove their sins completely and to receive them with mercy. Only after sin is removed can they expect God’s goodness in their lives. They are also taught to promise gratitude: “So we will render the calves of our lips” (Hosea 14:2 ^b), meaning they will give God praise and thanksgiving instead of animal sacrifices. True praise comes from a thankful heart and is more pleasing to God than rituals.