A soldier fighting over in Iraq received a letter from his girl friend that said she was breaking up with him. She also asked him to send the picture she had given him when he left because she needed it for her bridal announcement. The soldier was heart broken and told his friends of his terrible situation. So his whole platoon got together and brought all their pictures of their girlfriends, and put them in a box and gave them to him. So he put her picture in the box with the rest along with a note that said, “I’m sending back your picture to you please remove it and send back the rest. For the life of me I can’t remember which one you are.” – Author Unknown

I don’t know if this story is true or not, but it shows a deep lack of compassion for another human being, much like the prophet Jonah of the Bible.  If you have been following these posts, you probably know I am teaching on Jonah for a few Sundays. This Sunday, we looked at how we can learn how to appreciate God’s Compassion in our lives and how to share that with others.

Look around this week.  There will be someone you need to show compassion to regardless of what kind of jerk or bonehead they might be. Then again the shoe might be on the other foot, you could be the jerk or bonehead that someone needs to show compassion and mercy to. God showed compassion to Jonah and the Ninevites and he wants you to experience his compassion as well.

DO YOU REALIZE THAT….?

1. God Listens – [When We Call Out in Distress]

"From inside the fish Jonah prayed to the LORD his God. He said: "In my distress I called to the LORD, and he answered me. From the depths of the grave I called for help, and you listened to my cry." Jonah 2:1-2 NIV

Jonah called out to God while he was in a distressed situation. The plan that he had, had crumbled and was not working out the way he envisioned that it would. All because he chose to make an unwise decision that led to disastrous results.

2. God Is In Control – [Whether We Realize It or Not]               Jonah 2:3-6

3. God Is Waiting – [For Us to Follow His Plan]                         Jonah 2:7-9

4. God Is Ready – [To Give Us a Second Chance]

"And the LORD commanded the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land. Then the word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time: "Go to the great city of Nineveh  and proclaim to it the message I give you."              Jonah 2:10-3:2 – NIV

THREE WAYS TO APPRECIATE GOD’S COMPASSION:

a. Thank God for His grace and mercy.

b. Start following God’s plan for your life (say "yes").

c. Share God’s compassion with others