[Faith-Talk] A Wonderful Devotion From The Bible App (YouVersion)

[Judy Jones]

Watch Joel 2:12-13 by Alexandra Hoover:

https://www.bible.com/en/videos/46929?orientation=portrait&utm_content=STORY_CLIP&utm_medium=SHARE&utm_source=YVAPP


True Inward Transformation

Have you ever thought about what a proper response to God looks like when
you make a mistake?

It was common in ancient times to tear your clothes as a way of repenting
and showing sorrow over mistakes you may have made. It was an outward
expression of something happening internally.

But what would often happen is people would make a public display of
repentance without actually repenting in their heart. So, rather than
tearing your clothes, God says He would rather you repent in your heart.
Tearing your clothes means nothing if your heart isn’t broken before God.
Outward expressions should come from true, inward transformation.

And God says that anyone who comes to Him in genuine repentance will
experience His grace and compassion. We do not need to fear God’s wrath
since we are His children. He encourages us to repent and return to Him
when we mess up.

Scripture says that God is slow to anger and abounding in love. Rather than
living in guilt and sorrow, God says He will give grace and love instead.
He desires that we experience and live within His love, even when we mess
up.

What is your first reaction when you mess up? If you try to hide or ignore
your sin, take some time to consider why. God wants you to experience
freedom and love. Go to Him with what you’re carrying in your heart, and
repent of anything that goes against His ways.

Remember that nothing can remove His love from you. He desires that you
live in grace and mercy as a child of God.

PRAYER
God, thank You for being slow to anger, even when I am not. Forgive me when
I am quick to judge, gossip, or lie. Teach me to speak with love, to hear
with compassion, and to respond with grace. In Jesus' name, Amen.