Micah 6:8 He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
Today’s verse is a great biblical passage that summarizes God’s requirements for a faithful life. In it we see we are to be acting justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly with God. It emphasizes ethical living, compassion for others, and spiritual humility rather than fruitless religious rituals. Let’s look at it more closely.
This verse comes in the middle of a “covenant lawsuit” (Micah 6:1-8) where God indicts Israel for corruption, injustice, and empty religious rituals. It is a summary of the Old Testament’s ethical demands. We see that He has indeed shown us what is good, reminding us that we are merely mortals and should not see ourselves as proud or haughty, but rather we are humble before Him.
Then the question is asked… What does the Lord require of you?
The answer immediately follows. He requires us to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with Him. We are to act justly, which means there is fairness and respect in our daily lives. We are to love mercy, which He has showered down upon us when we were undeserving, freeing us from the punishment of eternal separation and guaranteeing us a place in His eternal kingdom. And we are to walk humbly with Him.
How exciting is that? We get to walk WITH God. We are to have an attitude and demeanor that is purposefully lower than Him and respectful. And honestly, when we see Him and walk with Him, how can we be anything BUT humble before His greatness and glory? It won’t be a choice at that point. We will be in such amazing awe that there is no choice but humility.
Today’s verse is a move away from what amounts to empty, fruitless, pointless legalism to living a life with authentic faith that is humble before Him. It emphasizes that heart-level change and ethical actions are the center of our faith.
Prayer: Lord, Help me to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with You. Let me set aside my pride, my legalism, and anything that holds me back. Amen
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