Understanding Micah 6:8 and the Lessons from Malachi
The books of Malachi and Micah in the Old Testament both share important lessons God wants people to remember. Let’s break down these messages in simple terms.
God’s Judgment and His Unchanging Promises
Malachi began his message by reminding the people that God’s judgment can be very serious—even leading to the destruction of entire nations. For example, the nation of Edom did wrong and was destroyed. But Israel, although they also sinned, was not wiped out. Why? Not because Israel was better or deserved to be saved, but because God never changes and always keeps His promises.
God’s people had once honored Him, but at the time of Malachi, they had turned away. They were making improper sacrifices, divorcing without cause, and following other faiths. They no longer lived the way God wanted. Even so, God kept His promises and didn’t destroy them. This teaches us that our survival and blessings are not because we are perfect, but because of God’s mercy and faithfulness.
The Importance of Knowledge
Another important idea is that “people perish for a lack of knowledge.” This means not knowing what is right can lead to many problems. The Bible says:
· Knowledge helps us make good choices and avoid mistakes.
· Lack of knowledge can lead to trouble in society, like poverty and crime.
· Education is important for both individuals and communities to grow and do well.
· Learning helps us understand different cultures, think clearly, and live healthier lives.
Rejecting knowledge and forgetting God’s teachings can have serious consequences. That is why it’s important to keep learning, especially about God’s ways.
What Does God Really Want?
In Micah 6:8, the Bible states clearly what God wants from us:
“To do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.”
Let’s look at what these mean.
Act Justly
God wants us to be fair and honest. Acting justly means treating everyone with respect and making sure our actions are good and right. In the past, this meant following God’s laws and protecting those who were weak or in need. Today, it means standing up against unfair treatment and being honest in all we do—whether that’s at school, at work, or at home.
Love Mercy
Mercy means showing kindness and forgiving others. God is full of mercy, so He wants us to be forgiving and generous too. Loving mercy means being quick to help others, being patient, and letting go of anger or grudges. It’s about being caring, even to those who may not deserve it.
Walk Humbly with Your God
Walking humbly means remembering that God is in charge, not us. It’s being grateful, listening to God, and not thinking too highly of ourselves. We should trust God and try to live in a way that pleases Him, putting others first and serving when we can.
How Can We Live These Principles?
The Bible says that we no longer bring animal sacrifices to God. Jesus, God’s Son, became the ultimate sacrifice for our sins. Now, what matters most is how we live. We show our love for God by doing what is right, loving mercy, and being humble.
Justice is a big part of the gospel—the good news of forgiveness and restoration. God wants to fix what is broken and help those who have been wronged. In the Bible, justice isn’t just a set of rules; it’s about having the right relationship with God and with others.
Putting It All Together
So, in simple words:
· God stays true to His promises, even when we don’t deserve it.
· Knowledge—especially about God—keeps us from making harmful mistakes.
· God wants us to do what is right, to be kind and forgiving, and to live humbly with Him.
We can live this out every day by being fair, helping others, and remembering that we need God’s guidance. This is how we honor God and show His love to the world.
Minister A Francine Green
August 2025
afrancinegreen.com 