Listen

But Jonah thought this was utterly wrong, and he became angry. He prayed to the Lord, “Come on, Lord! Wasn’t this precisely my point when I was back in my own land? This is why I fled to Tarshish earlier! I know that you are a merciful and compassionate God, very patient, full of faithful love, and willing not to destroy.”

Jonah 4:1-2

Think

God asked Jonah to go and give a warning to the people of Nineveh, but he didn’t want to go. He knew that in God’s great love and mercy, God would forgive them anyway, so Jonah thought it was a waste of time. However, when God told Jonah to go a second time, Jonah went. The people of Nineveh heard and responded, denounced their evil ways, and God forgave them. Then Jonah was angry because he thought God was too compassionate!

Consider how wonderful it is to be sure that God loves you deeply and welcomes you with open arms. God listens and shows compassion when we need forgiveness. God strengthens and helps us in our faith journey. Our God is generous to us and all people and wants us to be generous toward others too.

Lynne Prosser

Question to Ponder:

How have you seen God’s compassion or generosity?

Pray

God, please help me to listen when you speak into my heart and to follow what you say. Thank you that you give love and compassion generously out of your heart of love. Help me never to doubt this, no matter what goes wrong. Amen.

Go

Go in the strength God gives you. Be generous, not judgmental toward others, and in this way share God’s love and compassion as you live.