“I knew that you are a gracious and merciful God, slow to anger, rich in clemency, loathe to punish” (Jonah 4:2). of Wednesday October 11, 2023

The Ninevites repented of their evil ways—due in part to Jonah’s effective preaching. You would think Jonah would be pleased. But he isn’t. In fact, he’s very angry. Why? Because the Ninevites were his enemies. He wanted God to punish them or, better yet, wipe them off the face of the earth. Yet God forgave them. Unbelievable! So Jonah, in his anger, sits and pouts.

Jonah knows who God really is—someone overflowing with mercy, grace, and compassion. But Jonah wants to put limits on God’s mercy. He wants certain people to be excluded from the circle of God’s love and forgiveness. Are we ever like Jonah?

Jesus challenges us to expand the circle of our forgiveness.