In Hosea 3, the prophet receives a clear assignment. He is to love his wife, the prostitute, who is unfaithful to him. He was to act, not react. He was to love this woman, instead of taking revenge.
Hosea 3:1 Then said the LORD unto me, Go yet, love a woman beloved of her friend, yet an adulteress, according to the love of the LORD toward the children of Israel, who look to other gods, and love flagons of wine.
God calls leaders to a higher standard than followers. They are called to respond the way God did with Israel. Even though Israel had given itself over to reprehensible and shameful deeds (lying (4:1), prostitution (4:11), murder (5:2), theft (7:1), and oppression (12:7)) and had committed spiritual adultery, God did not stop leading them and empowering his people.
In the final chapter, the prophet asks Israel to return to God (14:2), so that they might receive grace, mercy, and healing (14:2-4). Leaders can only do this if they lead on the basis of principles and not on the basis of emotions.