Have you ever felt like you cared too much?
God sent Jeremiah as a prophet to a rebellious nation that didn’t want to hear him. And it wasn’t just any nation — it was his homeland, his countrymen, even his own kin.
As any prophet knows, sometimes a society can become so depraved that it only reproduces more pain and evil. We’ve all heard the phrase, “Hurt people, hurt people.” Israel and Judah were participating in a cycle of evil that created generations full of sadists, sociopaths, and narcissists. They no longer protected the weak, cared for orphans, or comforted widows. Instead, the most vulnerable became victims of generational sin.
There comes a point when God says, “Enough.” He will not allow more children to be born into unending pain and corruption.
What Did God Hate?
God never wants to destroy people.
He hates what destroys people.
That’s the difference.
He hates the sin, deception, and corruption that ruin His creation — the things that twist hearts, harden consciences, and shatter families. Jeremiah understood this. He knew destruction would come to God’s people if they didn’t repent.
And because this was his homeland, it was personal.
If judgment came, Jeremiah would go down with the ship.
He would suffer with his people — not because of rebellion, but because he lived among it.
Jeremiah saw it coming, and God told him to take care of himself.
This brings us to Jeremiah 15:19 (AMP):
“Therefore, thus says the Lord [to Jeremiah], “If you repent [and give up this mistaken attitude of despair and self-pity], then I will restore you [to a state of inner peace] So that you may stand before Me [as My obedient representative]; And if you separate the precious from the worthless [examining yourself and cleansing your heart from unwarranted doubt concerning My faithfulness], You will become My spokesman. Let the people turn to you [and learn to value My values]—But you, you must not turn to them [with regard for their idolatry and wickedness].” Jeremiah 15:19
When We’ve Done All We Can Do
This verse provides context to what was happening in earlier chapters. Israel and Judah weren’t going to change — they refused to repent.
Jeremiah, the “weeping prophet,” knew this. I imagine he wondered what would happen to him. “I’ve done everything right,” he must have thought, “and yet I still have to suffer with those who refuse to listen?”
But God’s response was firm and loving: “Work on yourself.”
God wanted Jeremiah to leave behind despair, helplessness, and hopelessness — to cleanse his heart from doubt. Jeremiah had warned, prayed, and persisted. Still, they doubted. So God told him it was time to look forward, to separate himself from the values of a fallen culture, and to start anew.
What Can We learn from Jeremiah?
Speaking God’s truth is never easy in a world determined to sin. It’s painful to watch people embrace destruction — and it’s easy to become discouraged, doubtful, or to take rejection personally.
But when they turn on us for speaking truth, God says, step away.
There comes a time to “cut bait” — to separate ourselves emotionally and relationally from those who refuse to listen — and let them come to us when they’re ready.
It’s not cold; it’s wisdom.
If they don’t want to hear us, they’re not rejecting us — they’re rejecting God.
So step back, stay steady, and let God draw those who are ready for truth.
