In Joel 2:12-17, God tells us what we are to do to receive His mercy and deliverance—we are to turn to Him in wholeheartedness. In a time of crisis, God requires that His people gather together for solemn assemblies; that is, to return to Him in wholeheartedness with prayer and fasting.

The conviction of God was manifest across large regions in both the First and Second Great Awakenings, and deep repentance occurred in the hearts of many people.

In Romans 5:1-11, Paul gives us an encouraging perspective that dismantles common spiritual idealism about what it means to love God with all of our heart. Our small and weak efforts to love God move His heart and are evidences of the glory of God in our life right now. Our love is real even when it is weak.

We are called to be workers of justice and lovers of mercy with a spirit of humility. Doing justice speaks of doing works that meet the practical needs of people including caring for the lonely, feeding the poor, helping the needy, orphans, widows, the homeless, etc.