Lasting Mercy over Lasting Anger

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  The word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD: Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel: Write in a book all the words that I have spoken to you.

   For thus says the LORD:
Your hurt is incurable,
your wound is grievous.
There is no one to uphold your cause,
no medicine for your wound,
no healing for you.
All your lovers have forgotten you;
they care nothing for you;
for I have dealt you the blow of an enemy,
the punishment of a merciless foe,
because your guilt is great,
because your sins are so numerous.
Why do you cry out over your hurt?
Your pain is incurable.
Because your guilt is great,
because your sins are so numerous,
I have done these things to you.

   Thus says the LORD:
I am going to restore the fortunes of the tents of Jacob,
and have compassion on his dwellings;
the city shall be rebuilt upon its mound,
and the citadel set on its rightful site.

  Out of them shall come thanksgiving,
and the sound of merrymakers.

I will make them many, and they shall not be few;
I will make them honored, and they shall not be disdained.

  Their children shall be as of old,
their congregation shall be established before me;
and I will punish all who oppress them.

  Their prince shall be one of their own,
their ruler shall come from their midst;

I will bring him near, and he shall approach me,
for who would otherwise dare to approach me? says the LORD.

  And you shall be my people,
and I will be your God.

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Scripture passage from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Catholic Edition, copyright 1989, 1993, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.