Jonah or Jeremiah? by Nancy Leigh DeMoss 01/26/12

“They only did what God permitted them to do, which enabled me always to keep God in sight… When we suffer, we should always remember that God inflicts the blow. Wicked men, it is true, are not infrequently His instruments; and the fact does not diminish, but simply develops their wickedness. But when we are so mentally disposed that we love the strokes we suffer, regarding them as coming from God, and as expressions of what He sees best for us, we are then in the proper state to look forgivingly and kindly upon the subordinate instrument which He permits to smite us.” – Madame Guyon

Jonah or Jeremiah? by Nancy Leigh DeMoss 01/26/12

Published January 26, 2012 |

Nancy Leigh DeMoss: Which prophet are you more like? Jeremiah? Or Jonah? Both of these men spoke to sinful people. But Jonah delivered God’s Word from an angry heart. He didn’t want his audience to get the message and repent.

On the other hand, Jeremiah delivered his message in tears. His heart was broken for the people who had strayed from the Lord.

This illustrates what Paul says in 1 Corinthians: “If I have the gift of prophecy, but don’t exercise that gift in love, I am nothing.”

When you find yourself having to confront someone with the truth, what’s the attitude of your heart? Is it one of anger and revenge? Or does your heart break as you deliver your message out of obedience and love?

Ask God to give you a tender, compassionate heart like Jeremiah.

With Seeking Him, I’m Nancy Leigh DeMoss.