Jeremiah 4:14Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Consider humanity, spoken of in the present to remedy its disregard, and again referred to in the future to avert despair. These words are intended for the one who administers discipline, while those are for the one who allows for correction. Chastisement and encouragement cannot coexist; they are fundamentally opposed. If guidance is offered, hold back on the rebuke; if rebuke is given, how can one uplift those who have been reprimanded? Yet he addresses the themes of punishment to prevent neglect and of salvation to foster reformation. Do you not see? This aligns with Christ’s teaching, as from the heart arise wicked thoughts. How much longer will they persist? Observe the forbearance of God. How much longer will it last? When one should naturally and timely reject wrongdoing, what leniency or justification remains? If you have not turned from wickedness instinctively, should you not have done so given the urgency of the times?

We see that God will reward each person based on their deeds, while at the same time He instills in you both the desire and the ability to act in accordance with His good purpose (Phil. 2:13), as it is written, “And these things are not of yourselves, the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast” (Eph. 2:8-9). This brings to light why it is declared that “no man can come to Me, unless the Father draw him” (John 6:44).

Moreover, it is commanded that we create for ourselves a new heart and new spirit (Ezek. 18:31), yet it is also proclaimed, “And I will give you a new heart and a new spirit I will give you, and I will take the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh,” as the Lord calls to Jerusalem, “Wash away the evil from your heart” (Jer. 4:14). The prophet also implores the Lord to create in him a pure heart, declaring, “wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow” (Ps. 50:9). As stated, “Be sensible, ye senseless people! When will ye be sensible, ye ignorant?” (Ps. 93:8) and “The Lord opens the eyes of the blind” (Ps. 145:8).

These questions can be clarified if we recognize that both divine grace and human free will collaborate in the work of our salvation. Although an individual may sometimes desire virtue, the assistance of God is always necessary to fulfill those desires, just as a sick person cannot merely wish for health but must receive strength from the giver of life, God. Furthermore, it is essential to understand that even the good intentions originating from the merciful Creator can only come to fruition with divine aid, as highlighted by the Apostle’s words: “the desire for good is in me, but to do it, I do not find it” (Rom. 7:18).