"I don’t want a God that is judgmental," many people say, but why does God judge? In the book of Joel, judgment comes as a wake-up call to a nation turning away from Him. Through vivid images of locusts and destruction, Joel warns of the serious consequences of sin while also pointing to God’s patience and mercy for those who repent. Judgment isn’t about punishment alone—it’s a loving invitation to return to God’s embrace and experience His restoration. In today’s message, Alyssa shares a relatable story about parenting that beautifully illustrates God’s patience with us, reminding us that, like a loving parent, God desires our hearts more than anything else.