Justified Anger

I like the story of Jonah. It’s an easy read. I pity the mockers of the whale story. They miss the mercy and compassion of God to sinners.

Looking closer, I notice the anger of Jonah and peer into his heart a little deeper. He was a prophet and feared God, but he wanted God to judge these men. They were cruel and violent, so when told to go, he knew God just might save this undeserving people. He wanted no part of it.

I’m just like Jonah. I simply want God to judge those who have hurt me. Some people just don’t deserve God’s goodness. I know he is merciful and compassionate. I just don’t want Him to show these people any love or forgiveness. If he does, I don’t want any part of it.

I know I should love my enemy and pray for those who spitefully use me, but truthfully, I would be angry if God was kind and forgiving to them.

Then I hear him say, “I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.”

I am a great sinner and I’m glad that God showed me grace and not judgement. What about you? Is there someone who has caused you great hurt in your life? Do you find it impossible to pray for your enemy? Let me hold your hand and let us pray to our God together. That He would help us to do the impossible.

“When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he relented and did not bring on them the destruction he had threatened. But to Jonah this seemed very wrong, and he became angry.”
Jonah 3:10-4:1