Jeremiah writes “You, O Lord, know me; you see me, and test my heart toward you”. He realised God’s righteousness, and despite the appearance of the wicked prospering, that God knew what was in people’s hearts and the wicked would ultimately be punished. But God also demonstrated His compassion, by telling Jeremiah that the nations surrounding Israel would be given a chance to “diligently learn the ways of my people, to swear by my name”. If they listened, then they would be integrated with the Israelites, but if not then they would be destroyed.
Jesus talks on a similar theme in Matthew 23. The scribes and pharisees are condemned for being hypocrites, for having an outward appearance of righteousness, but not practising what they preach. They ignored the “weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness”.
We can learn from the words of Jeremiah and Jesus. Our faith must affect our hearts, be seen in our actions, humbling ourselves to serve each other.