Compassion: A Study in JonahSample

What does it say?

Jonah preached to the people of Nineveh that God was about to destroy their city because of their great sin. God forgave them when they repented in dust and ashes.

What does it mean?

The Assyrians did not just confess with their mouths that they were sinners; they showed it by their actions – dressing in sackcloth and throwing ashes on their heads. These cruel and violent people recognized their evil ways and sought God’s forgiveness when Jonah delivered God’s message. Their sudden repentance may seem odd, but it uncovers an important truth: sin hardens the human heart until God Himself intervenes. Their full repentance appeased God’s wrath.

How should I respond?

When we willfully continue in a particular sin, subtle changes take place in our conscience and thought processes. Over time, we become oblivious to the harm sin causes. Saying, “sorry” then heading right back into our sin does not reverse the effects or appease God. True repentance is the result of seeing ourselves through God’s eyes – sinners in need of forgiveness. What troublesome habit or sin-hardened friend comes to mind? How will your actions demonstrate that you’ve turned away from sin? Who will you tell about God’s forgiveness today?