Nothing But Mercy

“Then God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God relented from the disaster that He had said He would bring upon them, and He did not do it.” Jonah 3:10.

The story of Jonah is often remembered for the fish, but its real power lies in the unmatched mercy of God.

Nineveh was a city steeped in wickedness, violent, rebellious, and deserving of judgment. God sent Jonah to warn them of impending destruction. Jonah ran, not because he feared the Ninevites, but because he knew God was merciful and might forgive them (Jonah 4:2).

He wanted justice, but God desired mercy.

When Jonah finally obeyed and delivered the message, the unexpected happened: Nineveh believed. From the king to the commoner, they fasted, repented, and cried out to God.

And God, rich in mercy, relented.

This is the heart of God: He would rather forgive than punish.
He is slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love (Joel 2:13).

Jonah’s frustration shows how easy it is to misunderstand mercy. We think people must “deserve” it, but mercy by definition is unearned. It is not about who we are, but who He is.

Maybe you’re like Nineveh, aware of failure and expecting judgment. Or maybe like Jonah, reluctant to believe that God could show mercy to someone else. In both cases, the message is clear:

God delights in mercy. (Micah 7:18)

His mercy:
– Redirects the disobedient. (Jonah)
– Restores the repentant. (Nineveh)
– Reveals the depths of His love for all people.

Lord, thank You for Your mercy that reaches beyond what I deserve. Amen.