Understanding Justice, Mercy, and Humility in Simple Terms
The Bible shows us that God cares deeply about how we live. The books of Malachi and Micah give us valuable lessons about God’s judgment, His mercy, and what He expects from His people.
God’s Judgment and Mercy
Malachi tells us that God’s judgment is real and can be very serious—even leading to the destruction of a nation. For example, the nation of Edom was destroyed because of its sins. Israel, on the other hand, was not destroyed. This wasn’t because Israel was better or more deserving. In fact, they had also turned away from God, making wrong sacrifices, turning to divorce, and even following other gods. The only reason Israel was not destroyed is that God is faithful and does not change. His promises to His people last forever. He keeps His word, even when people do not.
The Importance of Knowledge
The Bible warns that people “perish for lack of knowledge.” This means not knowing what is right can lead to big problems—both for individuals and for whole communities. Knowledge helps us make good choices, avoid trouble, and understand what God wants from us. That’s why learning, reading, and understanding God’s word is so important.
· Knowledge helps us make better decisions.
· It protects us from harm.
· It helps us grow and live well with others.
· It encourages us to keep learning throughout our lives.
What God Wants: Micah 6:8
One of the clearest places in the Bible where God tells us what He wants is Micah 6:8. This verse says: “What does the Lord require of you? To do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.”
Let’s look at what this means:
Act Justly
To act justly means to do what is right and fair. It means treating others with respect, standing up for those who are weak, and making sure that your actions are honest and good. In simple terms, justice is about always trying to do the right thing—even when it’s hard.
Love Mercy
To love mercy means to be kind and forgiving. It’s about showing compassion to others, helping people in need, and being willing to forgive those who hurt us. Mercy goes beyond fairness—it’s about showing love, even to those who may not deserve it.
Walk Humbly with God
To walk humbly with God means to remember that we need God in our lives. We should not be proud or think we can do everything on our own. Instead, we should trust God, listen to Him, and try to follow His ways. Humility is about putting God first and recognizing that all good things come from Him.
Why These Lessons Matter
These teachings are still important for us today. God doesn’t ask for fancy offerings or big sacrifices. He wants us to live in a way that shows we care about justice, kindness, and staying close to Him.
· Act fairly and honestly in all situations.
· Show kindness and compassion, even when it’s difficult.
· Stay humble, and remember to depend on God.
Conclusion
God’s message through prophets like Malachi and Micah is simple but powerful. He wants us to live justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with Him. When we do these things, we show the world what God is like—just, kind, and loving. Let’s try to live out these values every day.
Minister A Francine Green
August 2025
afrancinegreen.com 