Should I Not Be Concerned?

Jonah 4:1-11

This takes place after Jonah has gone to Nineveh and warned them that God's judgement was going to fall on them. The population responded by repenting and mourning and God had mercy on the city and did not bring his judgement on it. Jonah gets all pouty. He tells God, "I knew that's what you were going to do!" He makes it clear that he really wanted Nineveh to be destroyed - in fact that's the reason he didn't want to go in the first place. Most preachers I've heard say that Jonah didn't want to go to Nineveh because he was scared: it was a violent city and had a reputation for doing nasty things to people who where from Israel and claimed to speak on behalf of God. The reality is, Jonah didn't want to go to Nineveh because he didn't want them to repent and experience God's mercy. Which is sort of ironic since Jonah had just been shown incredible mercy himself.
This reminds me of some of the preaching and talk I've heard from Christians. Particularly in regards to Hollywood (which is especially relevant since that's where I'm headed this summer), it seems that they are gleefully waiting for God to pour out his judgement on the people there. God makes it clear to Jonah and to the rest of us that he is very concerned for the people who live in Nineveh and in Hollywood and in Ottawa and anywhere else that judgement junkies like to turn their attention. If God is so concerned about the great cities and the people who live there, then, as his child, I think I should be as well.
Father, please give me your heart of compassion for the people - even those who are directly opposed to your message, standard and kingdom. Remind me often of how much I have been forgiven and let me extend that same grace, forgiveness and mercy to others in your name.