Do we cheer when good comes to those whom we dislike or even just disagree with? Or do we only cheer when misfortune strikes these people? Do we rejoice a little when someone of the other political party is disgraced? Do we feel joy when the team we hate loses? When someone who has hurt us suffers, do we feel like they deserve the pain? Jonah was angry at God when God was merciful to the people of Ninevah. Jonah hated these people for the atrocities that they had committed against Jonah’s people.
Jonah 4:2 says, “And 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.” God is gracious, merciful, and loving, even for those whom we disagree with or dislike. God will not withhold His love and compassion, even from those whom we dismiss as unworthy.
Reluctant Retiree 