LET THE LORD LOVE THEM

Baca: JONAH 1

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Bacaan tahunan: Numbers 26-27

Jonah was sent by the Lord to go to the city of Nineveh. There he would proclaim a warning to them because of their great wickedness (verses 1-2). Shortly after, Jonah packed his bags. He quickly got ready to leave. However, instead of heading towards Nineveh, he chose to go to Tarshish (verse 3). Jonah refused to go to Nineveh, which means he was disobedient to the Lord.

When He was in the world, Jesus gave us a command, "Love your enemies" (see Matt. 5:44). This command is amazing, but difficult to do. It is difficult to love those who have done evil to us. Worse, often we act like Jonah, we also do not let the Lord love them. Wasn't Jonah's reason for being disobedient because he understood the nature of the Lord? He knew that if the people of Nineveh repented, the Lord would forgive them (see Jonah 4:2). Destruction would be averted from the heads of the very wicked people. Jonah did not allow that to happen so he ran away.

The command of the Lord is not to be admired, but to be done. So, starting today, let's learn to love our enemies, those wicked people. Every time we find it difficult to do so, remember our own situation. We used to be enemies of God too. We were sinners who behaved wickedly in the eyes of the Lord. If not for Him pouring out His grace, we would perish. Let the Lord love them too. Let's rejoice when we know the Lord visits the lives of wicked people. Let's be glad when we see them starting to realize their mistakes and improving themselves. --LIN/www.renunganharian.net

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WE SHOULD NOT HINDER THE LORD'S LOVE FOR THE WICKED BECAUSE WE OURSELVES OFTEN COMMIT EVIL IN THE EYES OF THE LORD.

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