You can watch the overview for Joel here.

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“Don’t tear your clothing in your grief, but tear your hearts instead. Return to the Lord your God, for he is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. He is eager to relent and not punish.” 2:13-14

This is easily one of my favorite pieces of Scripture involving repentance and God’s character towards forgiveness.

He wants our hearts, not a big show. Have you ever had someone blab on and on about how sorry they are, yet it obviously means nothing and is clearly for the benefit of those watching? It means nothing. You don’t want them to show off, you just want them to truly be sorry.

Merciful. Compassionate. Slow to anger. Filled with love that never disappoints or fails us. He is eager to relent and not punish. He doesn’t set us up for failure or long to flex his ability to discipline. He heaps grace and mercy on us and smooths wide open roads to turn back to him!

What prevents you from repenting? Pride? Fear? General disregard? Sometimes we’re not repenting because we’re not tuned in to our relationship with God.

Take time to check your heart, bring it before him and invite him to expose what needs to change. What’s missing? What’s broken?

Notice the second half of chapter 2; God promises more future blessings for his people.

Let’s repent, believe and call upon the Lord!

-Carly