Jonah: Confronted by Grace - Anger

Before we move on from Jonah, I thought that it will be helpful to consider the implications of God’s question to Jonah, “Do you well to be angry?” (Jonah 4:4,9) With all the stress that we are facing right now, anger is probably a common experience. What’s amazing about the story of Jonah is how God graciously engages his anger. So as we examine Jonah’s anger, first, be assured that God deals graciously with us. 

God’s question, “Do you well to be angry?” is a helpful and revealing question. First, it shows us that anger isn’t always wrong. Jonah could have a legitimate reason to be angry. Second, the question demonstrates that anger deserves to be evaluated. This tells us that it is a moral issue, and while a subjective emotion, has objective elements that can be evaluated. Finally, it reveals that anger can change. If Jonah doesn’t have a good reason, he can repent and experience change.

So come Sunday, and let’s consider some lessons from Jonah’s anger.