“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

I like the story of Jonah. It’s an easy read. But let’s not miss the mercy and compassion of God toward the sinners in this book.

Looking closer, I noticed the anger of Jonah and tried to 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. Jonah wanted no part of it.

I’m just like Jonah. I have hatred in my heart toward those who are cruel. I believe that 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 enemies 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” (Romans 9:15).

I realize I am a great sinner and I’m glad that God showed me grace and not judgment.

What about you? Is there someone who has caused you great pain 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 so that he would help us to do the impossible.

Lord Jesus, thank you for dying and paying for my sins. You have shown me great mercy and kindness. Help me by your Spirit to pray for those who have hurt me. Amen.

By Rich Vega
Used by Permission

FURTHER READING

Watch Your Anger – Psalm 37:8

The Danger of Anger

From Anger to Grace

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The post Justified Anger appeared first on Thoughts About God.

Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.

Do you remember this old adage? It would often be heard on a schoolhouse playground as children were teasing each other, pretending not to be bothered by the insults that came their way.

But our pretending doesn’t end with childhood; as adults, we try to convince ourselves that the sting of sharp words does not affect us. The truth is, we are deeply wounded by the verbal abuse we encounter on a daily basis. And we’re not immune to being abusers ourselves. As we interact with others, we must choose daily whether we will use our words to bring hurt or healing.

James 1:9 summed it up best by saying

“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry”.

As born again believers, the nature of God should help govern our hearts and minds. It is up to us to choose words that are not offensive to God and our neighbors.

My challenge to you today is to begin to focus on what is going on in your heart. Luke 6:45 tells us that out of the abundance of the heart, our mouth speaks. Have you paid much attention to this connection?  If you are housing bitterness, anger, or resentment, you are sure to spew out poison towards others that cross your path. Our words can either heal or destroy relationships. It is up to us to determine the outcome we desire.

Father, forgive us for not always paying attention to the words we speak. May we allow You to create within us a clean heart and renew within us a right spirit. Let the words of our mouths and the meditation of our hearts be acceptable in Your sight, oh Lord. In Jesus’ name, amen.

By Mary Pinckney
Used by Permission

FURTHER READING

1. Four Spiritual Laws
2. Spiritual Oxygen: Are You Getting Enough?
3. How to be Filled with the Holy Spirit

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The post Speak Life appeared first on Thoughts About God.