Joel 2:12

 "Yet even now," declares the LORD,
"Return to Me with all your heart,
And with fasting, weeping and mourning;
 And rend your heart and not your garments "
 Now return to the LORD your God,
For He is gracious and compassionate,
Slow to anger, abounding in lovingkindness
And relenting of evil"

These lines are so beautiful to me. When I read them I imagine the character of God. Even though Judah was in this state of turning their hearts away from God, He beckoned them in. The line "Return to me with all your heart" is in a sense breath taking. Its this idea of leaving the life that is currently occupying ones sene of being and returning to that which we are called to, a relationship with our ever present father. When I have done something wrong I often times am worried to tell my family about it. I try to avoid the conversation and take all of the possible avenues to avoid causing them worry. When I do finally muster enough courage to tell them something I am always surprised by the responses. Sometimes I get a sigh, other times I get a yell. However, when I come before God with these things I do not get a yell, or a cold shoulder but rather an open heart the beckons me in. "He is gracious and compassionate" those words are so full of truth that it will often at times overwhelm me when I read it. This is the standard at which we are to love, with grace and compassion. These convicting words are enough to send me to my knees. Not because I think God is angry with me but because His love and compassion despite my sin and shortcoming are even on my best day more than I deserve.
Slow to anger and, abounding in lovingkindness, this is the very nature of God. I fall more and more in love with Him when I read these lines.