Now Nineveh was an awesomely great city; it took three days to walk through it. Jonah began his journey through the city, and when he had gone only a single day’s walk announcing, “Forty days more and Nineveh shall be overthrown,” the people of Nineveh believed God; they proclaimed a fast and all of them, great and small, put on sackcloth.
Jonah 3:4-5

It would have taken Jonah three days to walk through the city of Nineveh (classical writers describe it as being over 60 miles wide).  However, when Jonah had only walked a day’s journey, the people responded. The word spread quickly, and the people put on sackcloth and ashes. The message was tough and challenging, but the people were ready for it at that moment. Note also that Jonah only says that Nineveh shall be overthrown; he does not mention the possibility of repentance. Interestingly, the word the author used for “overthrown” is hapak, which can mean “overthrown” or “changed.” God warned the Ninevites through Jonah and they changed in the process.

God knew that if the Ninevites were simply reminded of their sin, they would respond positively to his word. Often, we are wary of holding people accountable and pointing out something they are doing wrong; but sometimes people are waiting for us to say something. One courageous word, said in love or in obedience to God, can turn them back to him.

Think of one person today you feel you need to challenge or correct because she or he is headed in the wrong direction. Ask the Spirit for guidance as to whether he wants you to speak on his behalf.