Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the LORD your God, for He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and He relents from sending calamity. Joel 2:13
The Testament of Joel is a short book of prophesy that gave early Christian Disciples the basis for the events of Pentecost (the coming of the Holy Spirit). It also tells of salvation to all who call on the name of the LORD. The people of Israel constantly struggled with disobedience, consequence and then a return to God. God never turned away a sincerely repentant people.
The focus of my comments is “Rend your heart and not your garments.” Tearing one’s garments was an ancient sign of grief or remorse. The problem with this outward sign is that it may not reflect an inwardly humble and contrite heart. God knows the difference! He’s not impressed with dramatic acts of emotion, He is the author of Truth.
Since the fall of man, we have all struggled with the cycle of sin, repentance, renewal and obedience. The good news is, you can’t sin enough to make God give up, and you can’t ask for forgiveness so many times He will eventually say, “Sorry, you’re out of chances.” God is slow to anger, compassionate, abounding in love. He relents and forgives!
You are loved so keep your seams intact and rejoice!
Love,
Gretchen