Scripture
He has told you, O man, what is good;
and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice,
and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? (Micah 6:8, ESV)
Thoughts
In this verse Micah tells us three things God requires of his believers. First, the Lord requires us to do justice. Second, he requires us to love kindness. Third, God requires us to walk humbly with him.
In essence, this verse is a proclamation of what Jesus accomplished during his life here and on the Cross. Why? Because he fulfilled all God’s requirements his whole life and on the Cross. Look at the two verses that come just before verse 8:
With what shall I come before the LORD,
and bow myself before God on high?
Shall I come before him with burnt offerings,
with calves a year old?
Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams,
with ten thousands of rivers of oil?
Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression,
the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? (Micah 6:6–7, ESV)
Even while we are grateful that Jesus fulfilled the conditions of our salvation, we don’t ignore God’s requirements. If you’re committed to following Jesus, then you will do what Jesus did. He told us, “Take up your cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9:23). Jesus fulfilled justice; therefore, I will act justly. Jesus loved kindness and demonstrated mercy; my response is to be merciful. Jesus walked humbly before the Father; therefore, I will walk humbly.
Application
Justice, kindness (mercy), and humility are traits that need to be the hallmark of every relationship. Jesus has saved you. Now you are empowered by the Holy Spirit to blend justice, mercy, and humility in your interactions with people. How could you live out these three requirements of God in your relationships today?
Prayer
Lord, I’m so grateful for how you fulfilled God’s requirements for me. I want to please you by blending justice, mercy, and humility as I interact with people. Help me to walk humbly before you today. . . Continue praying.