“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.” (Micah 6:8)
A Reflection on Justice, Mercy, and Humility
In the Old Testament, the book of Micah presents powerful messages. These messages come from the prophet Micah to the people of Israel. There is one verse that stands out. It is profoundly simple and clear in describing what the Lord requires of His followers. Micah 6:8 states: “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 verse encapsulates the essence of a life lived according to God’s will. It emphasizes three key principles: justice, mercy, and humility. In this post, we will explore each of these principles. We will examine their significance. We will see how they apply to our lives today.
Act Justly
Justice is a central theme in the Bible, and it is clear that God values it highly. It is a cornerstone of ethical living. Acting justly means to live a life of integrity, fairness, and righteousness. It involves treating others with respect and ensuring that our actions are guided by principles of equity and moral rightness. It means treating others with fairness, respecting their rights, and standing up against oppression and inequality. It implies that one’s actions should be guided by moral principles that uphold the dignity and worth of every individual. Additionally, one must make sure that their behavior reflects integrity and fairness.
In the context of ancient Israel, acting justly meant upholding the laws. It also involved obeying the commandments that God had given to His people. It required them to protect the rights of the vulnerable, like widows, orphans, and foreigners (Isa. 1:17, Ps. 82:3, Jas. 1:). Today, acting justly calls us to stand against injustice in all its forms, whether it be discrimination, exploitation, or oppression. It challenges us to advocate for those who can’t speak for themselves. We must work towards creating a society where everyone is treated with dignity and respect (Isa. 1:17, Ps. 82:3, Jas. 1:27, Jas. 2:1-26, Heb. 13:1-25).
The call to act justly also extends to our personal lives. It involves being honest in our dealings with others. We must honor our commitments. We should live in a way that reflects God’s character. We are encouraged to be mindful of the impact of our actions on those around us. We must strive to make choices that promote fairness and equality.
Love Mercy
Mercy, or loving-kindness, is another essential aspect of what the Lord requires. To love mercy means to show compassion and forgiveness to others, reflecting the grace that God has shown to us. It involves a willingness to exceed the demands of justice. It also means extending kindness and generosity to those in need (Micah 6:8).
In the Bible, God’s mercy is often highlighted as one of His defining attributes. Psalm 103:8, for example, describes God as “merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love.” As followers of God, we are called to emulate this mercy in our interactions with others.
Loving mercy means being quick to forgive and slow to judge. It challenges us to let go of grudges and to seek reconciliation rather than retribution. It calls us to show kindness to people who do not deserve it (Luke 6:37, Eph. 4:32, Jas. 1:19-20). We should offer help to those who are struggling. By loving mercy, we create a culture of compassion and empathy, where people feel valued and cared for.
Walk Humbly with Your God
The final necessity in Micah 6:8 is to walk humbly with your God. Humility is a recognition of our dependence on God and an acknowledgment of His sovereignty over our lives. It involves a posture of submission and trust, where we seek to follow God’s will rather than our own.
Walking humbly with God means living in a way that honors Him and reflects His character. It requires us to listen to His guidance, to seek His wisdom, and to obey His commandments. It means recognizing that our value and worth come from our relationship with Him, not from our achievements or status.
Humility also calls us to serve others selflessly. It challenges us to put the needs of others above our own. We should seek ways to contribute to the well-being of our communities. By walking humbly with God, we show our commitment to living a life that pleases Him. This way of life brings glory to His name.
Conclusion
Micah 6:8 provides a clear and concise summary of what God expects from His followers. It calls us to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with our God. These principles are as relevant today as they were in ancient Israel. They offer a framework for living a life that honors God and reflects His character.
As we seek to apply these principles in our lives, let us remember that we do not do so alone. God, in His mercy and grace, empowers us to live according to His will. He gives us the strength we need to act justly. He guides us to love mercy. We walk humbly with Him.
May your journey be blessed with wisdom and grace.
Minister A. Francine Green.
afrancinegreen.com 