“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.” Micah 6:8 NIV
This verse connects our faith with our actions, our care for those in need with our walk with God. While several Bible translations use the word “require,” following this verse’s instructions perfectly is not a requirement for salvation. God has grace for us even though we are not perfectly obedient. Some translations instead use the word “desire” in Micah 6:8. God gives us the gift of salvation by grace. This verse simply describes what God wants from us in return: to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God. Because of what God has done, we fully invest in being instruments of healing to the world around us through mercy and justice. Cultivating our walk with God, through the power and presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives, provides the strength and passion for us to do what our Lord desires us to do. The hymn “Trust and Obey” might come to mind: “When we walk with the Lord in the light of his Word, what a glory he sheds on our way! While we do his good will, he abides with us still, and with all who will trust and obey.” Yet, it is easy for our hearts to harden and our minds to judge when we feel that people are being both foolish and manipulative, or they are taking advantage of our care. We need to hear God say once again, “As one of My people, I hope you love mercy, for that is what you have received.”
PRAYER THOUGHT
Lord, may we love mercy for that is what we all have received.
PRAYER FOR TODAY
Lord, help us to hear Your words to us again, “As one of My people, I hope you love mercy, for that is what you have received.” AMEN
INTERNATIONAL BIBLE READING ASSOCIATION (IBRA)
Ephesians 4:1-13
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