Today’s main Bible point is “God is a friend who loves.” As we continue to dive into our friendship with God, let’s look at the lesson of Jonah and Nineveh. When God told Johan to go to preach to the people of Nineveh, Jonah jumped on the first boat and went the opposite direction. He knew the reputation of how cruel these people were, and, in Jonah’s estimation, they were not worthy of God’s love.

 

God had other plans! He sent a big fish to swallow the reluctant prophet. Deep inside the fish’s belly, Jonah finally submitted to God’s will. God forgave Jonah then used him to deliver a warning to the people of Nineveh. As soon as the people heard this message, they stopped their evil deeds and asked God’s forgiveness. God lovingly forgave an undeserving people, demonstrating his heart of mercy for ALL.

 

Jonah seems to have viewed the Ninevites as unredeemable – so sinful that they were unworthy of God’s salvation. When do YOU first remember a feeling of shame or unworthiness? For many of us, the sense of being unlovable came as a child when we’d disobeyed, been caught in a lie, or disappointed an adult. Perhaps caring friends or family members demonstrated Christ-like forgiveness, modeling unconditional love, but there are plenty of people, even some of us, who have never experienced that genuine love, forgiveness and freedom. Today is a great day to get immersed in God’s overwhelming love for ALL people – that means you too! Joyfully share that love with those around you, especially those who we may deem unlovable, because – God is a friend who loves. Thanks God!

 

Kimberly Jewell