What does "return to the LORD your God" imply about God's character?

The Call in Joel 2:13

“Rend your hearts and not your garments. Return to the LORD your God, for He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, and abounding in loving devotion, and He relents from sending disaster.” (Joel 2:13)

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What “Return” Tells Us About God

• He is a Covenant God—“your God,” not a distant deity.

• He invites rather than coerces; repentance is relational.

• His character is the basis of the invitation; we come because of who He is, not who we are.

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Five Attributes Highlighted

1. Gracious

• He gives what is undeserved. (Ephesians 2:8)

2. Compassionate

• He feels and acts toward human need. (Psalm 103:13)

3. Slow to Anger

• Patience marks His dealings. (2 Peter 3:9)

4. Abounding in Loving Devotion

• “Steadfast love” overflows beyond measure. (Psalm 86:15)

5. Relents from Sending Disaster

• Judgment is tempered by mercy when repentance appears. (Jonah 3:10)

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Consistent Portrait Across Scripture

• Exodus 34:6–7 reveals the same list of traits, underscoring God’s unchanging nature.

• Hosea 14:1–4 echoes the call to return and promises healing.

• Luke 15:20 pictures the Father running to the prodigal—a living illustration of Joel 2:13.

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Why This Matters

• Confidence—We approach a God who wants us back.

• Hope—No sin places us beyond His reach when we repent.

• Urgency—Because He truly relents, returning now averts coming judgment.