Understanding Micah 6:8 in Everyday Life
The Profound Simplicity of Micah 6:8
In the Old Testament, the book of Micah offers timeless wisdom that speaks directly to the heart of what it means to live a good life. Micah 6:8 says, “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord need of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” This single verse sums up what God expects from His people in a way that anyone can understand, but living it out can be a real challenge.
Act Justly
Justice means treating people fairly and with respect. It’s about doing the right thing, even when no one is watching. In simple terms, acting justly is making sure our words and actions don’t hurt others and that we help make things right when we see something wrong. In the Bible, justice isn’t just a legal word—it’s about caring for those who might get overlooked or mistreated, like widows, orphans, and strangers. Today, it means standing up against bullying, discrimination, and any form of unfairness, whether at work, school, or in our communities. Acting justly is about honesty, keeping our promises, and making sure everyone gets a fair chance.
Love Mercy
Mercy is showing kindness, even when someone doesn’t deserve it. It’s forgiving people who hurt us and helping those in need, not because we have to, but because we care. Loving mercy means letting go of grudges and being willing to give people another chance. It’s about being generous with our time, patience, and resources. In everyday life, mercy might look like not snapping back when someone is rude, sharing a meal with someone who’s struggling, or giving a friend the benefit of the doubt. When we love mercy, we help create a world where people feel cared for and valued.
Walk Humbly with Your God
Humility is remembering that we don’t have all the answers and that we need help—especially from God. Walking humbly with God means trusting His guidance and putting Him first in our lives. It’s knowing that our worth doesn’t come from our achievements or what others think of us, but from our relationship with God. In practice, humility is about listening more than talking, admitting when we’re wrong, and putting the needs of others before our own. It’s serving others without expecting praise and being grateful for what we have. Humility keeps us grounded and helps us grow closer to God.
Bringing It All Together
Micah 6:8 isn’t a complicated formula—it’s a simple guide for living well. God has already shown us what is good: be fair, be kind, and be humble. These principles aren’t just for ancient times; they matter just as much today. While it’s not always easy to live them out, God gives us the strength and wisdom we need. When we strive to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly, we reflect God’s love to those around us and build a life that honors Him.
May we all find the courage to live out justice, mercy, and humility in our daily walk. Let these words from Micah inspire us to do good, love deeply, and walk closely with God.
Minister A. Francine Green
September 2025
afrancinegreen.com 