Is It Possible to Know God's Word, Yet Be Lacking Mercy?

Jonah clearly illustrates how anger has the power to dominate a person’s life to the point of negating God’s blessings. Jonah’s anger teaches us how it transforms into depression, creating feelings of hopelessness and despair.

Human beings were designed to be accountable for selecting what is good and healthy while discarding undesirable thoughts and behaviors. Jonah did not make this transition. His prejudice and beliefs justified anger, including Nineveh being obliterated. 

Jonah had knowledge that God was merciful and slow to anger, but he could not apply these to himself. A lesson to learn from Jonah is, a person can know God yet fail to exhibit mercy and compassion to others. This can be corrected by intentionally and deliberately submitting yourself to the transforming power of Christ Jesus.

Your heart will change as his love and mercy take possession.

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If I give away all my possession to feed the poor and if I surrender my body to be burned, but do not have love, it profits me nothing. Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant. 

~1 Corinthians 13:3-4 New American Standard Bible 

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When Is Anger Detrimental to Yourself or Your Relationships?

An important lesson to learn from Jonah’s life is anger has the power to determine a person’s fate in terms of deprivation or accomplishments. A life filled with bitterness diminishes joy and happiness. The sad truth about anger is it can become constant. 

Jonah permitted anger to deprive him of a joyful, peaceful fellowship with God. He refused to believe compassion was more acceptable to God than hatred. Jonah erupted into anger when God did not reign down death and destruction on Nineveh.

We see in Jonah the tendency to adapt a permanent attitude of anger so that it begins feels normal. God confronted Jonah with, “Do you have the right to be angry?” God challenged Jonah’s tendency to express anger toward him. Can you be angry with a person without hating them?  Anger dissipates when you view a situation from God’s perspective. 

God bless you.                       

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[Love] is not rude, is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. 

~1 Corinthians 13: 5-8 Christian Standard Bible/New International Version

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Does God Help You Make a Directional Change?

A powerful lesson to learn from Jonah, the prophet to Nineveh, is God will remain true to his nature to be loving and merciful even as it conflicts with what you thought to be right and just. Adaptability is critically linked to accountability in an ever-changing society and world.

Jonah refused to discard the prejudice he felt toward Nineveh. He refused to let God help him see that God’s mercy is designed for anyone who confesses their sins and repents. Jonah became angry when God showed kindness and compassion to Nineveh’s people.

God will help you change your attitude.

In  Psalm 18 David speaks from a heart of gratitude. “I love you, Lord, for you make me strong. You are my rock and fortress, my protector, the rock where I am safe, my shield, my powerful weapon and my place of shelter.” Permit God to give you confidence and gratitude.                   

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I appeal to you by the mercies of God to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship, and do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind so that you might prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. 

~Romans 12:1-2 New American Standard Bible 

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How Can You Adjust to God's Plan and Purpose?

Jonah failed to understand God’s objective in saving Nineveh from destruction. Is it possible to view a situation from God’s perspective when anger has pervaded your life? Consider how anger, resentment, and bitterness block accepting God’s plan and purpose.

Anger, resentment, and bitterness create self-centeredness, which impedes accepting any alternative that God presents to us. God wanted Jonah to realize if he, Jonah, felt sorrow for a plant that died, how much more did God pity the people of Nineveh who were bound for destruction.

Jonah refused to accept that God loves all people, so a lesson from Jonah is that God designed us to be adaptable. 

Rigidity and resistance serve as barriers to experiencing the gifts of joy and peace that come from being flexible to God’s leadership so that you can serve him in an ever-changing world. May God bless you.  

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Jesus spoke to them again: “I am the light of the world. Anyone who follows me will never walk in the darkness but will have the light of life.” 

~John 8:12 Christian Standard Bible 

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Could You Define How Your Will Differs from God's Will?

Can you describe a defining moment that changed the course of your life? For Jonah, it was facing what it means to be accountable for God’s call. A basic truth from Jonah is that God’s patience allows events to run their course until you can commit to his transforming call.

Refusing God’s call is driven by your emotional disposition, previous experiences, and prejudice. While God permits you to sidestep what could bring you unspeakable joy, he will use you to complete a task even when your attitude is in opposition to his plan and purpose.

Can you imagine what needs to happen for you to bring your free will in line with how God wants you to serve him? Consider God’s promise from Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and not your own judgement; always let God lead you, and he will clear the road for you to follow.” 

May God bless and keep you.                         

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Come to me with your ears wide open. Listen, for the life of your soul is at stake. I [the Lord God], am ready to make an everlasting covenant with you, to give you my unfailing mercies. 

~Isaiah 55:3 The Living Bible 

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Is It Possible to Refuse God's Call?

Each day can teach important lessons that prevent mistakes from being repeated. Jonah’s experience with God teaches us lessons that should not be ignored. His view concerning who should be accepted into God’s family was too narrow.

Jonah’s response to God could be defined as passive-aggressive. He refused to be honest with God about being unwilling to deliver God’s message to the city of Nineveh. Instead, he left the country in an effort to avoid God’s purpose for his life. 

Jonah could have emphatically stated, “I will not accept your call, your invitation.” However, Jonah refused to openly communicate with God. His internalized emotions were loaded with anger and fear. A defining moment can be your expressing to God exactly what you think, feel, need and want. This is possible when done with respect and honesty.

God will listen and then wait for you to be more trusting and confident.                  

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Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.” 

~Lamentations 3:22-24 New International Version 

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Can Anger Be Expressed Constructively by Blaming God?

Anger can be constructive when expressed with restraints that restrict revenge from taking control. Do you believe it’s possible to subdue an angry attitude? It’s important to understand that uncontrolled anger can ricochet with harsh consequences.

Anger expressed as hatred can be treacherous. When God asked Jonah if his anger was justified, he answered with an affirming, “Yes!” Can you constructively express anger when you believe God is the source of your trouble?

Anger internalized is extremely risky once it transforms into depression. God offered Jonah a way out of his intense anger and hatred by making sure he viewed the situation from God’s perspective. Anger will dissipate when there is a readiness to let it go, made possible by the transforming wisdom and power of God. 

Now is the time to make a fresh start, which you can do, with God’s help.                     

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But as for those who serve the Lord, he will redeem them; everyone who takes refuge in him will be freely pardoned. 

~Psalm 34:22 The Living Bible 

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Do You Need a Better Source for Managing Anger?

Have you ever been consumed with anger when you didn't get what you wanted? Jonah believed God failed him in two ways. First, God refused to destroy the people of Nineveh as Jonah had prophesied. 

Then as he sat sulking in the desert heat outside the city, the plant God provided for shade withered and died. That plant was a source of shade for Jonah, so when it died, he wanted to die. He believed God was causing him pain and suffering.

God asked Jonah, “Do you have a right to be angry?” A primary skill for managing anger is to ask, “Do I have the right to be angry, considering the circumstances? Is there a better way to manage this situation?” Think about the issue from God’s perspective. God’s word encourages you to let go of anger by earnestly asking, “Is my anger justified?” The Holy Spirit will free you from anger’s captivity.

      

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For he rescued us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son [Jesus], in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. 

~Colossians 1:13-14 New American Standard Bible 

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Is It Possible to View Any Situation from God's Perspective?

Have you experienced intense anger because you felt entitled to that anger? Jonah felt justified with his anger because God refused to destroy Nineveh for their evil ways. Instead, God demonstrated mercy and forgiveness when the people repented.

Jonah felt embarrassed and betrayed because God spared Nineveh, so picture Jonah sitting in the desert’s hot, blistering sun, pouting and feeling diminished in credibility. God then caused a huge plant to spring up to provide shade for him.

His enjoyment was short lived when a worm destroyed the plant, causing Jonah to feel like dying. Had Jonah been able to pacify his anger by viewing the situation from God’s perspective, he could have celebrated with the people of Nineveh. Is anger blocking you from sensing God’s presence?

Ask God for spiritual clarity and guidance so you can live in peace with yourself and others.  Do it now.             

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Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 

~2 Corinthians 4:16-18 New International Version 

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Where Does Your Vulnerability Reside?

God gave us the biblical account of Jonah because we tend to model his attitudes and behaviors. We will never be swallowed by a large fish or be called by God to prophesy the doom a great city. We are prone to becoming angry and resentful as we encounter disappointments.

Embarrassment, followed by anger, surfaces with a loss of personal credibility. This happened to Jonah at Nineveh, so he withdrew to pout and sulk. He was obsessed with God’s being judgmental and punishing, and when God failed to meet his expectations, he was consumed with anger.

Jonah learned an important lesson at Nineveh. God is forgiving and merciful and changes his mind when people’s attitudes and behaviors turn to righteousness by discarding evil. 

The people of Nineveh turned from evil that was leading to destruction and turned to God with confession and repentance. You can follow their lead. 

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So be truly glad! There is wonderful joy ahead, even though the going is rough for a while down here. These trials are only to test your faith, to see whether or not it is strong and pure. It is being tested as fire tests gold and purifies it – your faith is more precious to God than mere gold… 

~1 Peter 1:6-7 The Living Bible 

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What Obstructs Being Able to Recognize God's Purpose?

Jonah’s feelings about Nineveh being totally destroyed, including each person, all livestock, and every building, were clear. Listen to his message to the city: “Forty days and Nineveh will be destroyed!” That’s a three-second, eight-word message, but it was powerful and effective.

Jonah constructed a shelter on the perimeter of the city to witness Nineveh’s destruction. However the people turned from their evil ways and repented, prompting God to give them absolution which caused Jonah to become infuriated with God.

Becoming fixated in anger insured Jonah’s misunderstanding of God’s love and forgiveness. However you can rise above resentment, disappointment, and anger by being accountable to God for the good things the future holds as you respond to God’s forgiveness, love, and mercy. He invites you to make a new beginning today regardless of your past. 

Will you receive it? God is waiting.              

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For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He holds success in store for the upright, he is a shield for those whose walk is blameless, for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of the faithful ones. 

~Proverbs 2:6-8 New International Version 

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Does God Always Do What Is Best for Everyone?

To say that Jonah was a complex person is to understate the mixture of responses he demonstrated in being selected to take God’s message to the evil city of Nineveh. He failed to show compassion when the people repented and God graciously forgave them.

Imagine Jonah in a state of rage yelling at God for saving Nineveh. Listen to his tirade: “I knew you were a loving and merciful God, always patient, always kind and always ready to change your mind and not punish.” His rage soon turned to depression, followed by a wish to die.

An important lesson for us to learn is, God does not act according to our assessment of a situation, but does what is best for everyone. You, like Jonah, may disagree. 

As you face an uncertain time, God will give you clarity on how to manage your situation as you cooperate with him to bring about his perfect will.                      

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The Lord says: “My thoughts and my ways are not like yours. Just as the heavens are higher than the earth, my thoughts and my ways are higher than yours.” 

~Isaiah 55:8-9 Contemporary English Version 

Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom. 

~Psalm 145:3 New International Version 

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Are You Facing a Defining Moment in Your Life?

A personal defining moment may occur when your attitudes and beliefs are challenged regarding what it means to be anchored in God’s family. When Jonah accepted God’s call to preach to the city of Nineveh, he faced a personal crisis concerning who should be loved by God.

After the people of Nineveh repented of their wickedness and gave their hearts to God, Jonah’s heart was filled with anger. What gave this emotion so much force in Jonah’s life? In this defining moment Jonah was possessed by a faulty perception of God’s love and mercy.

Jonah was angry because God did not destroy Nineveh. He was given an opportunity to live above prejudice and faulty religious beliefs but failed to do so. Facing a defining moment could occur as you face being available for all God has prepared for you to do and become. 

How will you decide? May God bless and guide your decision.

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Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. ~Matthew 11:28-30 New International Version 

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How Important Is It to Keep Your Promises to God?

God performed a miracle by saving Jonah from a darkness that would have terminated his life. God delivered Jonah so he would have a second chance to be accountable to God’s call. Listen to his gratitude: “I’m worshipping you, my God, by expressing my thanksgiving. I will do what I promised to do, for my salvation comes from you, my Lord and God.”

When God issued him a second call to go to Nineveh, Jonah, this time, would follow God’s instructions to the letter. A second miracle God performed in Jonah’s life was inspiring the words to be preached to Nineveh with such power that the people immediately repented and received God’s salvation.

Jonah knew he could do nothing without God’s power and blessings. The fact that he was delivered from darkness anchored his belief in God’s power. 

God’s faithfulness is not restricted by mankind’s weakness, so rejoice in the Lord and keep your promises to him. You will be blessed.                         

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The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity. 

~Proverbs 11:3 New International Version 

For I am confident of this very thing, that he who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. 

~Philippians 1:6 New American Standard Bible 

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Is There Darkness in Your Life That Needs God's Light?

Every Christian can identify with Jonah in some unique way. With few exceptions, everyone has heard about his attempt to run from God’s calling only to end up inside a huge fish. There in darkness he could see with clarity what it means to be submissive and obedient to God’s call.

Listen as he describes that horrifying experience. “When my life was slipping away, in distress I called to you and you answered me, O God.” This experience clearly influenced Jonah’s decision to go on to Nineveh, although his propensity to hate the people there remained unchanged. 

God sent Jesus to be born in Bethlehem, David’s hometown. This event was a defining moment for the world and the start of a revolution that would change millions of people. 

Why not ask God to help you see with clarity how he wants you to change so you can love and serve him more completely?                   

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Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken. 

~Psalm 55:22 New International Version 

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Do We Reflect Jonah's Character Trait of Defiance?

Although Jonah submitted to what God commissioned him to do, he failed to develop a positive attitude related to God’s calling him to preach in Nineveh. While Jonah delivered God’s message with conviction, something was missing in his heart.

Jonah hated Nineveh. God, however, demonstrated his grace and mercy to the people of Nineveh by forgiving and saving them. We, like Jonah, can be unavailable to God by embracing resentment.

Now is the time for to you turn your heart toward God by being receptive to his vision and purpose for you. 

God demonstrated his love and compassion to you by sending Jesus to save you from a view of life that’s too narrow. God loved you so much he commissioned Jesus be your Savior, and that’s well worth celebrating from the depths of your heart. God’s desire is to put love for all people in your heart. So give thanks to God for what you can be now.                  

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The Lord said to his people, “Stand at the crossroads and look. Ask for the ancient paths and where the best road is. Walk in it and you will live in peace.” But they said, “No, we will not!” 

~Jeremiah 6:16 Good News Bible

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 

~John 3:16 New International Version 

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What Makes Responding to God's Call So Difficult?

Jonah’s reluctance to take God’s message to the people of Nineveh made it impossible for him to receive the joy God wanted to give him. The effort Jonah expended trying to escape God’s call far exceeded what was necessary for declining God’s invitation to serve him.

Completely surrendering to God’s call requires commitment. I’m not referring to one particular thing God has called you to do, but holding on to a faulty belief system restricts God’s purpose for you. Jonah mistakenly believed the people of Nineveh were not worth saving and refused to change his mind.

Jonah refused to believe God’s love was available to all people. Jesus came to be Lord and Savior to everyone who would receive him, which is difficult for some people to accept.

Joyfully give your heart to God so you will be receptive to what Jonah missed – a heartfelt love for all of God’s people – and that’s a precious blessing.

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Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 

~Hebrews 12:1 New International Version 

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Why Does God Desire to Change Your Mind and Your Heart?

Jonah could not escape God’s calling, but the effort he made to do so was impressive. Have you ever been isolated in total darkness and feared the light of day might never be seen again? This experience opened Jonah’s eyes and gave him clarity for understanding God’s purpose and plan.

The crisis Jonah experienced in the darkness opened his will to accepting God’s plan, but it did not mean he had compassion for the lost people of Nineveh. He realized he had to change his attitude toward God’s calling on his life, and that’s what mattered.

The coming of Jesus helps us acknowledge God’s presence in the affairs of all people. He yearns for a significant place in your heart for now and all eternity. 

In a changing world God provides clarity of what it means to be accountable for the measure of faith and security he so graciously makes available as you place your life into his care.

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May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. 

~Romans 15:13 New International Version  

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How Difficult Is It to Be Accountable to God?

Jonah was an interesting and amazing character, in that his life and response to God’s calling and purpose reflect ours at some level. Have you ever avoided responding to God’s plan and purpose for your life?

Jonah fled his country to resist God’s plan to send him to Nineveh to preach God’s simple message of salvation. He sensed God would forgive and bless them, which was contrary to what Jonah wanted. Did he believe he could escape being accountable to God’s purpose by running away?

God gave Jonah a concise message to preach to the people of Nineveh, just as he sent a distinct message to the world in the birth of Jesus. God did not send Jesus to condemn the world but to save it. How accountable are you to God by choosing to serve him where you are now, at this moment? Spiritual clarity is closely related to faith and trust in Jesus and by letting go of resistance. 

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Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. 

~Psalm 119:105 New International Version 

But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. 

~John 16:13 New International Version 

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Can God's Calling Become Distorted?

I’ve always been impressed with Jonah, the Old Testament prophet who refused to go to Nineveh to preach God’s message of salvation. Jonah refused God’s call because he felt ambivalent about what would happen to him if he failed or was successful.

By reading the book, it appeared that Jonah never accepted that God’s love, mercy, and forgiveness were unrestricted and open to all who believed and repented. Cautious optimism for God loving the people of Nineveh was challenging for Jonah.

Sometimes a reality check is necessary to determine if cautious optimism distorts your thoughts and feelings which then prevents you from being accountable for what you could be or do for God. As you think about the Lord Jesus Christ being Savior for all people, rid yourself of any distortions of clarity.

Then you will be joyful in your heart and soul by being able to grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord God.

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Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 

~James 1:4 New International Version 

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