a new response

When Joel wrote to the people of Judah, he spoke clearly about the hope that was coming for God's people.  He challenged them to move beyond mere religious observance. He called for careful, thoughtful obedience.  It starts by saying "Rend your heart and not your garments..."  This gets your attention, but the wonder is found later in the verse.

Joel 2:13     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.
That's our God!  Always the Redeemer, always the Restorer of relationships.  Praise God!