Jan 14 Devotion: God's Requirements

Micah 6:8 He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?

         There are three things mentioned in this verse that the prophet says are requirements that God has set before us. We are to “do justly…love mercy…walk humbly”. The only way we can look at these things as optional is if we choose to disobey God, for they are declared to be requirements from the LORD. What do they mean?

         “To do justly” is to interact with all those around you with an attitude of propriety. We are to treat people with respect based on our desire to represent the Lord properly. The word “justly” means to arrive at a verdict and to issue an appropriate sentence. We are all guilty of something, but should our approach be to browbeat everyone or to help them toward the truth. Consider 2 Timothy 2:25 when we are doing “justly”.

2 Timothy 2:25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;

         Then, we are required to “love mercy”. You can see how close this is to the previous requirement, and it dovetails with it. If your attitude is to deal with people properly, then you will love to extend mercy instead of ridicule and condemnation. We are all worthy of judgment, but mercy should be our approach. The truth must be declared, but we are to speak “the truth in love”. (Ephesians 4:15) Mercy does not put people down but helps them to get up. Again, consider 2 Timothy 2:25. Repentance brings with it mercy and that should be our desire.

         Then we come to the third requirement, and it tells us how we can live out the first two. When we “walk humbly” with God, it is his spirit of justice and mercy that will be our attitude. When we walk with him, we walk in agreement. His way is our way. His will becomes our will, and we will treat people properly. We will try to help them, encourage them, show mercy to them, and point them to the one we are walking with. If we are to live the way God would have us to, then there are some requirements to meet.

1 Thessalonians 4:1 Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more.   

In Christ's Service,

Bro. Adrian Moore

2 Cor. 4:5