Edwin Hatch (1835-1889) is known for the simple but moving hymn ‘Breathe on me, breath of God’. This is a prayer that God’s Spirit would shape the hearts of His people. The opening verse is as follows:

“Breathe on me, breath of God, fill me with life anew, that I may love what Thou dost love, and do what Thou wouldst do.”

That is the desire of those who trust in the Lord, that our attitudes and behaviours might reflect His.

Throughout the Scriptures, one of the characteristics of God that stands out is His love for lost sinners. He gives ample opportunities for people to humbly repent and believe in Him, despite the fact that we are deserving of eternal condemnation.

This week’s reading from Jonah 4 is yet another reminder of God’s concern for unbelievers. He had sent the reluctant prophet Jonah to preach to the Ninevites and warn them of coming judgement unless their repented. Everyone from the king down was very responsive, turning away from their evil deeds and turning to the LORD (Jonah 3). When He saw how their hearts had changed, He forgave them. But Jonah’s own heart needed changing. He was angry that God had forgiven such wicked people and fierce enemies of Israel. Maybe he thought it was ‘unfair’. His attitude is similar to that of the older brother in Jesus’ Parable of the Prodigal Son. The older brother had been loyal and hardworking, and was therefore indignant about his younger brother being welcomed back into the family despite having treated his father poorly and lived a wasteful and wayward life.

Oh that we would have a heart of compassion, as God has! He always delights to see people repent of their sin and put their faith in His Son Jesus Christ, the Saviour. We are all undeserving of His grace.

So as we pray for help to “love what He loves”, may we show and proclaim love to a world of lost sinners, in the Name of Christ.