Resentment!

Considerations

Jonah 4:1 & 2, But the repentance of the people displeased Jonah exceedingly (Jonah was exceedingly resentful) and he became angry. So he prayed to the Lord, and said, “Lord, was not this (the Ninevites repenting) what I said when I was still in my country? Therefore, I fled previously to Tarshish; for I know that You are a gracious and merciful God, slow to anger and abundant in loving kindness, One who relents from doing harm.”

Because of what these kids did at VBS the year before (as explained in part I), I resented their presence at VBS the following summer, and, like Jonah, that resentment stripped my heart and mind of all compassion for these youngsters. Because of this resentment, I, like Jonah, had no concern about the condition of their souls. And because of this resentment, I, like Jonah, refused to even consider a joyful attitude toward those kids who were returning to possibly hear and respond to God’s Holy Word.

Slowly, I began to see even a connection between my resentful attitude and the attitude of the elder brother in the Parable of the Prodigal Son, because an attitude of resentment always involves an attitude of me, my, and myself.

Read the entire story on the e-Edition of our newspaper. http://www.etypeservices.com/Advance%20News%20JournalID455/