Jonah was to go to Nineveh and preach to a people who were on all accounts a wicked people. Jonah was reluctant to preach for he did not care to see them repent and change their ways. Later when God forgave them for their sins Jonah was unhappy. This week take time to reflect on people you know who are not necessarily wicked as they were known to be in Nineveh, but just those difficult people in your life. Consider the value of going to that person in your life who might be a bit more challenging or presents you a little more difficulty from time to time and telling them you love them.
How is your love for the difficult person in your life? Is there someone you are trying to avoid that you have found to be difficult? Do you want God to forgive you more than you are willing to forgive someone else? If so, you may have a Jonah problem. I think I have learned something beneficial over the years about dealing with challenging people. I’ve learned that if I ignored those folks or brushed them off it was never going to improve our relationship. In fact, it could even hinder my relationship with God. I have learned Jesus didn’t avoid difficult people, He loved them. Thankfully, our God loved us, before we loved Him.
How is your love for the difficult person in your life? Is there someone you are trying to avoid that you have found to be difficult? Do you want God to forgive you more than you are willing to forgive someone else? If so, you may have a Jonah problem. I think I have learned something beneficial over the years about dealing with challenging people. I’ve learned that if I ignored those folks or brushed them off it was never going to improve our relationship. In fact, it could even hinder my relationship with God. I have learned Jesus didn’t avoid difficult people, He loved them. Thankfully, our God loved us, before we loved Him.
Clark Tatum
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