Devotion 2/19, Abounding in Love

[The Lord declares,] “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

One of the most amazing things about our God, is that he is so gracious and compassionate, even when we’ve “blown it big time.” He longs to forgive and cleanse when we sin, not condemn and punish us. His grace rushes to greet our genuine heartbreak and ”heart change” with forgiveness, cleansing, and redemption. But God is not about playing religious games or practicing empty religious rituals that are not heartfelt. Our repentance must come from a heart genuinely committed to turn back to the Lord and live for him!

Father, when I sin, please help me see my sin as you see it. I want my heart to break over my sin when I’ve rebelled against you. I don’t want to ever become callused or cold to your graciousness. I always want to appreciate the high cost you paid to redeem, forgive, and cleanse me with your grace. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

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