Joe 2:13-14 | MHM | STEP | v. 13 : The people are told, "Rend your heart and not your garments, and turn to the Lord your God" . In Bible times, people sometimes tore their clothes to show sadness. But God wants more than this. He wants people to be truly sorry in their hearts. The reason to return to God is because He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and He relents from sending calamity . God’s character gives hope that He will forgive if people truly repent.

‏ Joel 2:13-14

v. 13: The people are told, "Rend your heart and not your garments, and turn to the Lord your God". In Bible times, people sometimes tore their clothes to show sadness. But God wants more than this. He wants people to be truly sorry in their hearts. The reason to return to God is because He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and He relents from sending calamity. God’s character gives hope that He will forgive if people truly repent.

v. 14: Joel says, "Who knows if He will turn and have pity, and leave behind a blessing—grain offerings and drink offerings for the Lord your God?". This means that if the people repent, maybe God will stop the disaster and give them good things again, like food for themselves and offerings for worship. Even though God promises forgiveness for true repentance, Joel teaches humility—we cannot demand blessings, but we can hope for them.