Scripture

“He has told you, O mortal, 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

Reflections

In Micah 6:8, we encounter one of the most profound and well-known verses of the Old Testament.  In that verse, we discover that the Lord God looks for three things in his people: doing justice, loving kindness, and walking humbly with Him.

To do justice is simply to do the right thing.  There are so many within our world who make a practice of doing the wrong thing and then try to smooth it over or say it’s okay because others are doing the same.  In God’s eyes, there is no good excuse for injustice.

Kindness is the second thing named.  We love others as we love ourselves.  We promote the welfare of each person.  We protect the innocent.  When hatred and mean-spiritedness seem rampant, this is where God’s people stand out as different.

The third is walking humbly with our God.  Being God’s people is more than having right understanding.  It is a relationship, a walk with God, as any person would go for a walk with a good friend.  Only with God, we know we are in no position to brag or promote ourselves.  Side-by-side with God, we are keenly aware of our shortcomings.  Humility is the only appropriate stance in the presence of God.

Prayer

Lord God, thank you for instructing me in your ways.  May I be a person who does the right thing, is kind to others, and walks humbly with you.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Full Reading: Micah 6:1-8