This is one of the best movies I have ever seen on unconditional love! The film uses a modern setting and features well-known actor Sean Astin as a youth leader named Stuart who shares the story of Hosea and his unconditional love for Gomer to illustrate God’s love for mankind. This is a powerful story of redemption.
A troubled teen named Ashley joins the youth group on a camping trip and she is like a fish out of water. Although the youth group attempts to reach out to her she simply wants to be left alone. Yet one evening at the camp Stuart tells the story of Hosea and although some of the young adults can’t believe the patience and love of Hosea, Stuart proclaims it to be an amazing love and, in the end, the group agrees. They even see a dramatic change in Ashley. The movie also features a cameo by Sean Astin’s mother, Patty Duke, as well as a role played by Erin Bethea of “Fireproof”. She plays Stuart’s wife Beth.
This one should not be missed! It’s a perfect film for a church night or youth group. In one scene Stuart asks each of the campers what their favorite book is in the Bible. He receives a different answer from each of them and declares that God made everyone different but loves each one. We are recommending the film for ages twelve plus due to a few sophisticated themes including Gomer being unfaithful to her husband but the point is made that Hosea displays unconditional love for his wife, redeeming her from the slave market; just as God displays the same love toward us. Don’t miss this one!
