Text: Jonah 4:1—11

Topic: Why we should love our enemies

Introduction:

• If you could help your enemy prosper, would you do it?
• Jonah blessed his enemies, and they experienced God's mercy.
• If we are faithful and obedient, God will bless our enemies through us.

God blesses our enemies with his grace.

• The prodigal son's older brother was angered by the grace shown to the prodigal.
• The vineyard laborers who felt unfairly paid could not accept the grace shown to others.

• Illustration: Larson lost money invested with a Christian friend, but must forgive.
• Illustration: Jean Anouilh writes of those who curse God for forgiving bad people.
• Illustration: Though at war with Iran, Iraq sold their enemy tanks to finance the war.
• Illustration: V suicides have exceeded war casualties.
• Illustration: Hotel clerk who cares for an unknown couple is rewarded with a job at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel.

• Because he was unable to bless Ninevah, Jonah became like his enemy.
• Jonah is challenged to see his enemy through God's eyes.

• Illustration: Comedian Sid Caesar had to change his ways if he wanted to live.
• Illustration: Scandinavian Lutherans like Larson, tend to favor law over grace.
• We must believe in grace if we want to live.

We love our enemy by helping them to prosper.

• Illustration: An ad executive told the founder of Ebony Magazine that he didn't have to love his company, just give them his business.
• Give your enemy your prayer, your witness, help them prosper.

• Don't turn down the grace of God or deny it to another

Conclusion:

• As God gave Jonah a second chance, so he gives one to us.
• Illustration: An eagle raised with chickens never learns he was made to fly.
• God created us to love our enemy.