Micah the prophet explained what the Lord wants from those who claim to follow him. Not expensive sacrifices or costly gifts, but surrender at the heart level.

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.

Mercy involves leniency, forbearance, kindness and sympathy towards those around us. Lean towards grace, even when it’s undeserved. Micah pairs mercy with acting justly, an adherence to living a morally right and fair life. Grace combined with truth leads to a life blessed by God.

Finally, humility suggests a modest estimate of my value and importance. The Creator formed me from dust, not super-dust, despite what I believe about myself.

The formula sounds simple, rolling right off the tongue. However, acting justly and loving mercy and walking humbly runs counter to my inner tendencies. I need help from the Holy Spirit to push me in this direction.

But if I want what is good, for me and those around me, then I’ll allow the Lord to open my soul to mercy, justice, and humility.

Micah 6 in Through the Bible in 2024

Photo by Claudia Raya