“He has shown you, O man, what is
good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy,
and to walk humbly with your God.”—Micah 6:8
A few months before my mother died,
she told me that her favorite verse was Micah 6:8. I never thought to ask her why this was her
favorite scripture, but have pondered on it many times.
Growing up, my mother had her hands
full with raising five children, a husband and helping do the many necessary
tasks on a farm. During this time as a
child, I suppose I had the normal feelings of any child that is one of many,
and did not think that I was dealt with justly when punishment was dealt out—especially,
if in my small mind that I did not start the argument. Mercy, now that is what every child needs, who
has just shot a hole in their dad’s Pick-up truck window with a bb gun. No, in my mind growing up, particularly when
punishment was being given, I did not think that justice and mercy were a part
of my small world. However, after I became
an adult I began to understand that my parents were doing their best to rear
children who would act fairly towards other people in business and personal
relationships, and have a compassionate disposition towards others.
Micah 6:8 tells us how we are to
treat other people and what our attitude towards God should be. We are admonished to deal fairly with people,
and to be compassionate towards other people, forgiving them. “But whoso
hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his
bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? (1 John
3:17 KJV). The other admonishment that
we are given in this Scripture is to have a respectful attitude towards
God. We are to remember that He is the
big “I” and we are the little “i’s”.
Many years ago, I heard this phrase, “If it had not been for the Lord…” Let us not ever forget that if it
had not been for the lord’s justice and mercy we would die in our sins.
He sent His Son, Jesus, to suffer
the justice that we deserved and through His Mercy we receive forgiveness.
Today, I challenge you to be a woman or man who seeks to treat all people
according to God’s standard of justice. Do not cheat people in business. Fight
oppression. Defend the defenseless. Allow God’s mercy to flow through you. Take food to those who are hungry, clothing
to those who are naked. Visit prisoners. Sponsorchildren living in poverty around the world. Also walk humbly with God! Do not be boastful
in your life and work. All your good is
the result of God working within you. Be humble in all things as you walk with
God.
Keep your eyes open as you step out your door and you will find opportunities
to do good. Needs are all around us, but
we have become skilled at turning a blind eye. Open your eyes and see all
around you the places where the Lord would have you do justice, love mercy, and
walk humbly with him.
Prayer—Father I thank You for Your
justice and mercy at work in me and through me.
I purpose to keep my eyes open for opportunities to demonstrate your
justice and mercy in the world, in Jesus Name. Amen.
