Redeeming Love is finally streaming on Netflix, and if you haven’t watched it yet… what are you waiting for? Based on Francine Rivers’ bestselling novel (which is based on the book of Hosea in the Bible—yes, you read that right), this movie is a triple-layered storytelling sundae: Bible → Book → Movie. And somehow, it works.
I read the book a few years ago and was completely hooked. Like, cancel-my-plans, stay-up-too-late kind of hooked. And while I’ll always be Team Book-Is-Better, the movie does a beautiful job bringing the story to life. So, if you’re not ready to commit to the novel’s page count, the film is a solid place to start.
Let’s get into the heart of it. Michael is a Christian farmer looking for a wife, and God tells him—wait for it—to marry a prostitute named Angel. Cue the drama. Angel’s past is painful, and she runs from Michael not once, not twice, but at least three times. And every time, Michael gives her the choice to come back. No ultimatums. No guilt trips. Just grace.
Sound familiar? That’s our story with God. We mess up. We wander. We chase things that leave us empty. And yet, God keeps inviting us back. He doesn’t force us—He wants us to choose Him. That choice? It’s the most important one we’ll ever make.
If you were shouting “Angel, just stay with him!” at your TV, you’re not alone. But her journey—and Michael’s relentless forgiveness—mirrors the story of Hosea and God’s love for Israel. It’s messy. It’s heartbreaking. And it’s full of mercy.
Each time that Angel came back, after she cheated on Michael with his brother-in-law, went back to prostitution, he accepted her back. He even washed her feet after the first time she left and wasn’t wearing appropriate shoe attire. It’s raw. It’s humbling. It’s straight out of the Jesus playbook. Would you do that for someone who hurt you? Michael did. And God does—for us.
Michael’s love isn’t just romantic—it’s redemptive. It’s the kind of love that forgives betrayal, welcomes the prodigal, and chooses mercy over revenge. That’s the love God offers us. And it’s the kind of love we’re called to offer others.
So… when’s the last time you thanked God for His mercy and grace? And when’s the last time you showed that same grace to someone who didn’t deserve it?
If Redeeming Love stirred something in you, don’t stop at the credits. Grab your Bible and flip to Hosea. It’s tucked in the middle—easy to miss, but packed with truth. It’s not just ancient history; it’s a mirror to our modern hearts.
To help you dive in, I’ve put together a 4-day mini study focused on marriage, redemption, and the messy beauty of grace. It’s designed to help you reflect on your faith, your relationships, and the biblical truths woven into the movie. Francine Rivers gave us the novel. Hollywood gave us the film. Now let’s explore what God gave us in Hosea.
Ready to unpack what’s biblical truth and what’s creative liberty? Let’s go.
Biblical Rewind 