God’s Requirements and God’s Gift Explained Simply
Sometimes people talk about America as a “Christian nation.” But calling a country Christian doesn’t mean much if we don’t understand what God actually wants from anyone who calls themselves a Christian. It’s not just about labels or traditions—it’s about how we live every day.
What Does God Really Want From Us?
The Bible lays this out in a straightforward way in Micah 6:8. God isn’t looking for fancy rituals or big sacrifices. Instead, God gives us three simple but powerful instructions:
· Act Justly: This means doing what’s right and fair, even if it’s hard or unpopular. It’s not just about following rules, but about making choices that reflect honesty, fairness, and the goodness that God teaches.
· Love Mercy: God wants us to show kindness and compassion, even when it’s tough. Mercy is about forgiving, helping, and caring for people, just as God does for us. It means loving others with real commitment—not just when it’s easy.
· Walk Humbly with Your God: Living humbly means remembering we need God’s help and guidance every day. It’s not about bragging or thinking we have it all figured out. It’s about trusting God, admitting when we’re wrong, and being open to God changing us for the better.
What Did Jesus Add?
Jesus summed up God’s instructions in two big ways:
· Love God completely—with your heart, soul, and mind.
· Love your neighbor like you love yourself.
That means living with love, faith, and obedience—not just believing in Jesus, but letting that belief shape how we treat others.
Why Good Deeds Alone Aren’t Enough
Back in Bible times, people thought they could make God happy with big sacrifices or expensive gifts. But the truth is, what God wants most is our hearts—true love, real change, and a willingness to let go of things that hurt us and others. It’s not about buying God’s favor or trading stuff for forgiveness. Instead, God asks us to turn away from our wrongs, trust in Jesus, and try to live a better life.
God’s Gift to Us
No one can be perfect or earn God’s forgiveness by being “good enough.” The good news is that God is always ready to help, forgive, and guide anyone who turns to God with honesty and humility. God’s grace isn’t something you buy or earn—it’s a gift for anyone willing to accept it. When we follow God’s way, we find real comfort, peace, and purpose.
So, What Does This Mean for a Christian Nation?
Calling a country “Christian” doesn’t make it truly Christian. What matters is whether people—no matter where they live—try to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God, loving others the way Jesus taught. That’s what makes the difference, both in personal lives and in a nation’s culture.
In simple terms: being Christian is less about labels or history and more about how we treat each other and follow God’s lead every day. That’s where real change—and real blessing—comes from.
Minister A Francine Green
September 2025
afrancinegreen.com 