“When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he relented and did not bring on them the destruction he had threatened.” (Jonah 3:10 NIV)
Our God is a God of love and grace. After Jonah disobeyed and ran away, God could have just killed him off and found someone else to send to Ninevah. But He gave Him another chance. And when the people if Ninevah repented, God had mercy on them as well, and withheld the punishment they deserved. And God is gracious to us as well, even when we run away. Yet many miss out on this grace… “Those who cling to worthless idols turn away from God’s love for them.” (Jonah 2:8 NIV) If our arms (lives) are full of other stuff — idols — we can’t receive God’s gift of grace. We don’t need to earn forgiveness, but receiving that gift requires letting go and opening up our hands (hearts) to His love. Believers, though forgiven, sometimes miss out on God’s best. Sometimes we let our lives get cluttered up with other things, and don’t give God the space He needs to live and work. Father God, may I keep my arms (heart, life) open so I can receive Your gift of grace and love today. May nothing get in Your way.