Read Obadiah 1:1–21; Jonah 1:1–4:11
In Corrie ten Boom’s autobiography, The Hiding Place, she described the day she met the Nazi guard from Ravensbruck concentration camp who asked for her forgiveness. She wrote, “Forgiveness is an act of the will, and the will can function regardless of the temperature of the heart.”
When the man held out his hand to Corrie, she stood shocked, wrestling with the dreadful memories packed in her heart. Did he deserve forgiveness? Recognizing that he was now a brother in Christ, she finally asked God to help her forgive. Then she extended her hand to the man.
Jonah did not want the people of Nineveh forgiven.
“I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity” (Jonah 4:2).
Jonah wanted God to crush the Ninevites because that’s what they deserved. The truth is, no one deserves forgiveness. Jesus, who did not deserve punishment, endured it on behalf of every sinful person. He gave His life so we would not get what we deserve.
Thought for Today:
Lord Jesus, is there someone in my life whom I need to forgive?
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