But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he was angry. 2And he prayed to the Lord and said, “O Lord, is not this what I said when I was yet in my country? That is why I made haste to flee to Tarshish; for I knew that you are a gracious God and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and relenting from disaster. Jonah 4:1-2 ESV
In this chapter of the book of Jonah, he was upset because God forgave the Ninevites, who were enemies of Israel. In his anger, he told God, he’d rather die.
In reality, we often refused to forgive others there since, especially those who committed against us, we were often reluctant to show kindness to someone who hurt us, we felt what Jonah felt but Jonah knew how merciful God is.
Forgiveness and mercy are the hardest things for us human to give even to those we love, what more to our enemies but this is God’s way, He has always had a heart for the world,
This passage of Jonah taught us God’s children do not have the right to be angry about His plans. We do not need to agree but to obey even if his plans do not in line with our plans or our beliefs, even he plans to love your enemy.
Do not question God’s method or His plan, they are good even if we do not agree or understand. God has always extended love, love, and mercy to all people. We must see the bigger picture of what God is doing, humble ourselves, and submit our lives to Him.
Be blessed,
Marquetta Breslin