Anger presents many physical dangers to the body. Research shows it can lead to heart disease, damage to the liver and kidneys, as well as cause depression. The World Health Organization reported over 300,000 murders are committed each year worldwide. Between 3 and 10 million children witness some form of domestic violence yearly – all results of anger.

And the Lord said, “Do you do well to be angry?”

Jonah 4:4

In today’s passage, God has a conversation with Jonah about his anger and essentially asks, “Do you really have a right to be angry?” Jonah felt the people of Nineveh didn’t have the right to the Lord’s grace. Jonah didn’t understand that the mercy of the Almighty Father cannot be earned. God’s people “are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 3:24)

Are you harboring resentment towards a family member, friend or co-worker? Start anew this year by learning to let go. “But if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” (Matthew 6:15) Ask God to help you release old hurts. Pray, too, for your national leaders to release hard feelings from the past and move forward to a better tomorrow.

Recommended Reading: Jonah 4:1-11