Jonah's Problem

 Jonah in the Old Testament had a problem that most of us can identify with. God tells him to warn the Ninevites to repent or they will be destroyed, but when they repent, he is disappointed. In his heart he wanted to see them punished for their evildoing. We might pray for someone to change their evil ways, but when they do, we have regrets because we feel they should be punished for their sins.

We do not understand the bountiful, unlimited mercy of God. He rejoices more over one sinner who repents than over 99 who have no need of repentance. He lavishes his mercy on those who do not seem worthy of it in our eyes. 

Although we may pray for those who have gone astray, we still have a bit of resentment when they are blessed by God. Our hearts may have some love and forgiveness, but there is a limit to how readily we will wipe away every trace of sin. Even if we have prayed for someone for many years, we still think he or she ought to do some difficult task before they are forgiven. I am reminded  of  Mary Oliver's poem "Wild Geese," where she writes: "You do not have to walk on your knees/for a hundred miles through the desert repenting."

Our loving God extends his mercy to all, without holding anything back, without requiring us to say a million Hail Mary's with arms outstretched to be forgiven. We are the ones who have a hard time with forgiveness. God gives every repentant sinner a clean slate and mercy beyond measure. Are we more like the grudging Jonah or the all-merciful God?