Do you know why God loves us as no one can love us? Because God has always gone behind His people looking for them to convert to Him. God has an interest in us and that is incredible. All the old testament is about God looking for His people to repent and keep His ways, in the same way it happens from grace, and it is God looking for man, is this not unreasonable? God loves us and that is why He wants us to live for Him.
From the beginning of Scripture we see a God who seeks, who calls, and who waits patiently. He does not remain distant or indifferent to the condition of humanity, but instead intervenes in history, speaking through prophets, judges, and kings, always calling His people back to Himself. Even when Israel repeatedly failed, turned to idols, and broke the covenant, the Lord did not abandon them. His love was shown in His constant invitation to repentance, restoration, and renewal.
A great proof of that love that God has for us is to see how in the second chapter of Joel’s book, God begins by warning the children of Israel, but then He stops and tells them:
13 And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the Lord your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil.
14 Who knoweth if he will return and repent, and leave a blessing behind him; even a meat offering and a drink offering unto the Lord your God?
Joel 2:13-14
These verses show us the heart of God. He is not impressed by outward displays of religion, rituals, or appearances. What He truly desires is a heart that is broken, humble, and sincere before Him. To “rend the heart” means genuine repentance, a change that begins inwardly and transforms the whole life. God calls His people not because He wants to punish them, but because He wants to restore them.
Jesus said that the most important commandment is to love our God with all our heart, and this is what is presented in the book of Joel, God demanded of them that they convert with all their hearts, and God demands that fom us today, that we become to Him with all our hearts and that also means that we deny everything that does not please God.
True love for God is not partial or conditional. It involves surrender, obedience, and the willingness to let go of everything that separates us from Him. Loving God with all our heart means allowing Him to transform our thoughts, desires, and actions. It means placing Him above our own will and trusting that His ways are better than ours.
Samuel said: “Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams”. The people of Israel made many sacrifices, but God required more of them, and that was their heart. Remember that God also told them: “You honor me with your lips but your hearts are far from me”.
These words remain relevant today. It is possible to speak about God, attend religious gatherings, and perform good works, yet still have a heart far from Him. God desires obedience that flows from love, not empty practices. When obedience comes from a surrendered heart, it produces genuine worship and a life that honors Him.
Let us seek God with all our heart, and remember that our God is slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy, and we thank Him for that love with which He has loved us and for the patient that He is for us.
God’s patience should lead us to gratitude and repentance. His mercy gives us hope, and His love invites us to return to Him every day. Let us respond to that love with humility, obedience, and a sincere heart, knowing that when we turn to Him, He is always ready to receive us and bless us according to His perfect will.