In the book of Jonah, we read about the unlimited love of God toward the Ninevites. Nineveh was a wicked city worthy of destruction. Jonah wanted nothing to do with those people because he was a Hebrew prophet, and the Ninevites were one of Israel’s greatest enemies. Yet God wanted Jonah to preach to them about their coming destruction, because He was concerned about the 120,000 people who lived in the city of Nineveh (see Jonah 4:11). 

Jonah eventually did what God asked of him and told the people of Nineveh to turn from their wickedness or they would be destroyed in forty days. To Jonah’s surprise, the people listened and believed his message. They eventually turned from their evil ways. However, Jonah became angry and bitter because God did not destroy the Ninevites. Jonah did not understand the unlimited love God has for all people, not just the Jewish people. 

Because this gift of love is given to everyone, we too can repent when we make mistakes. God shows His mercy over and over. It doesn’t matter who we are; every one of us has sinned against God. But, at the foot of the Cross, we are all equal.  

Let us remember this prayer that was once included in the Our Daily Bread devotional: “Forgive me, Lord, for prejudice, remove its subtle lie; remind me that for everyone, You sent Your Son to die!” —D. De Haan