Better Together - At The Movies "Redeeming Love" | Jentezen Franklin

Sunday, February 23



Introduction

The story of Redeeming Love is inspired by the biblical book of Hosea, which portrays God’s unwavering love for His people despite their unfaithfulness. In Hosea 1:1-3, God instructs the prophet Hosea to marry Gomer, a woman known for her unfaithfulness and questionable profession. This command must have seemed strange, even painful, yet it served as a powerful symbol of God’s relationship with Israel. Just as Gomer repeatedly turned away from Hosea, Israel had turned away from God, chasing after other gods. However, Hosea’s obedience reflected God’s own love—a love that pursues, forgives, and redeems. 

In the same way, Redeeming Love tells the story of Angel, a woman caught in a cycle of brokenness, and Michael Hosea, a man called to love her unconditionally. Through this story, we are reminded of three key lessons:  

  • Obedience to God’s plan, no matter how unusual it may seem. Hosea obeyed God even when it was difficult. Michael did the same when he pursued Angel despite her rejection.   
  • Showing love to the most despised and unloved. John 3:16 reminds us that God's love is for everyone, even those the world considers unworthy.
  • The lengths to which God will go to show His love. Just as Michael’s love for Angel never wavered, neither does God’s love for us.

Hope That Sprouts Again 

In Job 14:7, we read,  

"For there is hope for a tree, if it be cut down, that it will sprout again, and that its shoots will not cease." 

Even when life hacks us down—through sickness, loneliness, or disappointment—God promises renewal. Pastor Franklin reminded us that no matter what’s happened in our families or lives, Satan wants to divide, but God is faithful to save, heal, rescue, and forgive.  Job himself knew life wasn’t fair, yet God’s answer isn’t to fix every problem now, but to offer eternal hope in His presence. Our troubles, though tough, aren’t wasted—they shape us, reveal our character, and build strength for what’s ahead. Let’s dig into this together.

  • Job 14:7 compares hope to a tree that keeps sprouting, even after being cut down. What’s one area of your life where you’ve felt “cut down,” and how have you seen (or hope to see) God bring new growth there?
  • Pastor Franklin said Satan divides, but God heals and rescues. Where have you seen division creeping into your relationships or circumstances, and how might trusting God’s faithfulness change your response?
  • Troubles can reveal our character and make us stronger. Share a time when a tough situation showed you something about yourself—good or bad—and how it helped you grow.
  • God promises eternal life with Him, even when this world feels unfair. How does that hope affect the way you face daily struggles, like disappointment or loneliness?

The Power of Redemption

“Sometimes, you have to leave behind what you were born into to become who God meant you to be.” 

Like Gomer, Angel believes she doesn’t deserve a new life. She convinces herself that what she left behind—her old life—is far better than what she has now: a marriage with Michael Hosea. Like we often do, Angel went right back into the sin she was saved from until... she finally didn’t. 

Our sin grieves God—not because He’s angry and distant, but because He loves us perfectly and hates seeing us chained to what hurts us. He longs to set us free, offering grace that forgives completely. Walking with Jesus isn’t about being perfect; it’s about moving toward Him, step by step, trusting His pull on our hearts. 

That gentle tug is God’s relentless love in action, refusing to give up on us even when we turn away. We see it so clearly in Hosea’s story. Yet, in the midst of betrayal, God speaks of His love for Israel in Hosea 2:14:  

"I will allure her, will bring her into the wilderness, and speak tenderly to her." 

And just when we expect judgment, God offers grace. In verse 15, He says: 

"I will give her vineyards from there, and the Valley of Achor as a door of hope. She shall sing there, as in the days of her youth, as in the day when she came up from the land of Egypt." 

The Valley of Achor translates to the Valley of Trouble—the very place where Hosea will find Gomer and love her again. In the same way, God meets us in our valleys of trouble, pouring out His love and mercy. 

Even in your worst moments, in your own Valley of Achor, He offers you a Door of Hope. No matter how broken your marriage or relationships may be, God promises a way forward. 

What a powerful image—picture that for your family, your relationships: a doorknob, a fresh start, a brand-new chapter. A Door of Hope. 

  • Hosea’s love for Gomer mirrors God’s love for us. How does this story challenge or encourage you in your relationships—whether with a spouse, family, or friends?
  • God speaks tenderly to Israel in the wilderness (Hosea 2:14). When have you experienced God speaking tenderly to you in a difficult or lonely season?
  • The idea of a "Door of Hope" suggests a new beginning. What would it look like for you to step through that door in an area of your life that feels broken or stuck?
  • If you were to picture a "doorknob" representing a fresh start for your family or relationships, what would that new chapter look like for you?

One Prayer Away from God’s Redeeming Love 

Romans 8:38-39 is a powerful declaration that nothing—absolutely nothing—can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. Paul lists every possible force—life or death, angels or demons, the present or the future, powers, heights, or depths—to emphasize that no circumstance, failure, or spiritual battle can break the bond of God’s love for His children. 

Maybe you don’t feel open to restoration right now. Maybe past mistakes, doubt, or hardship have made you question whether God’s love is still reaching for you. But the truth remains: you are only one prayer away from stepping back into His redeeming embrace. He will not stop loving you. He will not abandon you. No force in heaven or on earth can keep His love from pursuing you—because His love is stronger than anything that stands against you. 

  • What are some things in your life that have made you feel distant from God’s love?
  • How does knowing that nothing can separate you from God’s love change your perspective on struggles or failures?
  • Have you ever experienced a moment where you felt unworthy of God’s love? How did He remind you that His love is still constant?

Conclusion 

Throughout Redeeming Love, we see Angel running from Michael’s love, believing she is too broken to be redeemed. However, true transformation happens when she finally turns back - - just like the prodigal son in Luke 15:20. The prodigal son did not experience his father’s embrace until he made the decision to return home. It was then that the father ran to him with open arms.  

God’s love is always present, but we must choose to respond to it. Michael never forced Angel to stay, just as God never forces us to accept His love. But when we take that step toward Him, He is already running toward us with grace and redemption.

  • What steps can you take today to move closer to God’s love and healing in your relationships—whether with family, friends, or anyone else?

Prayer  

Close with prayer that is rooted in the last verse of Joshua 24:15 “But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” 

“We commit our hearts, our marriages, and our families to You. Grant us the strength to walk in obedience, to love like You do, and to forgive as You forgive. Even in our valleys of trouble, open our eyes to the Door of Hope You place before us. In Jesus’ name, amen.”