Hosea 6

God Desires Sincere Repentance

Sometimes people think that they can sin and then do a few outward things, such as offer apologies, say a few prayers, pay their tithing, and attend all their Church meetings, to make up for their sins. While these are certainly important, repentance is a much deeper process. Repentance is a broken heart and a contrite spirit that brings a deep sorrow for our sins (see 3 Nephi 9:20). If we sincerely repent in this manner and renew our covenants with the Lord, the Spirit will cleanse us, bring us peace of conscience, help us lose the desire for sin, teach us how we can continue to draw near to the Lord, and give us strength to keep the covenants we have made.

Hosea 6:1–3 seems to be the children of Israel’s expression about how quickly they hope to repent. The rest of this short chapter gives the Lord’s response of disappointment in their attitude. Verse 6 expresses the Lord’s desire for inward righteousness as well as outward displays of religion.