Renewal begins when we turn from sin and return to God, who shows mercy to all who repent.

• God’s mercy extends to all people—even Israel’s enemies in Nineveh, showing His compassion is not limited by national or cultural boundaries.
• Repentance is powerful and visible—Nineveh believed God, humbled themselves, turned from violence, and God relented from judgment.
• Jonah reflects the human heart’s resistance—he ran from God’s mission, grew angry at God’s mercy, and cared more for temporary comfort than for eternal souls.
• God patiently teaches His prophet—using the plant and Nineveh to expose Jonah’s selfishness and to reveal His greater concern for human life.
• Christ is the greater Jonah—where Jonah failed, Jesus obeyed; He came willingly, died, and rose again so that mercy and salvation could reach the whole world.

R.E.P.E.N.T.

• R – Recognize God’s Call. Jonah ran from God’s Word, but Nineveh responded to it. Repentance begins when we recognize that God is speaking—through His Word, Spirit, or circumstances—and stop ignoring Him.
• E – Examine Your Heart. Jonah was resistant, angry, and prejudiced. Nineveh humbled themselves. True repentance requires us to examine our hearts honestly before God and confront sin, pride, or disobedience.
• P – Pray for Mercy. Jonah prayed from the fish, and Nineveh prayed in fasting and sackcloth. Repentance is not just turning from sin but turning to God in prayer, seeking His mercy and forgiveness.
• E – Embrace God’s Grace. Jonah struggled with God’s mercy for others. Nineveh gladly received it. Repentance means embracing grace—believing God’s forgiveness is real for us and for others. 
• N – New Direction. Repentance in Scripture always implies change. Nineveh changed its behavior; Jonah was given a second chance to obey. True repentance leads to a new direction in how we live.
• T – Trust God’s Compassion. God’s closing words to Jonah show His heart for people. Repentance rests on this truth: we can trust God’s compassion—He does not delight in judgment but in forgiveness.