The book of the prophet Micah has been in the daily Bible reading this week and its primarily devoted to describing God’s judgement on the Israelites because of “Jacob’s transgression” and “because of the sins of the house of Israel” and it lists some of their despicable sins. But, in the midst of this overwhelming prediction of judgement and destruction, Micah gives hope and consolation because he also describes God’s love.

Micah 6:8 (NIV) ”He has showed you, O man, 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.”

As the book of Micah describes, like the Israelites, people have tried all kinds of ways to appease God, but God has made His wishes clear, He wants His people to be just, merciful, and to walk humbly with Him.

What does it mean to “act justly”, to “love mercy” and to “walk humbly”.

To “act justly” means to treat one another as you would want to be treated, to act right, to be fair, and to not take advantage of others.

To “love mercy” means to provide others grace as a way of life, not just when it’s convenient.

To “walk humbly” means to restrain from the pride of life, to have humility, but more importantly, to trust God’s will and to follow Him.

Micah preached that God’s greatest desire was not the offering of sacrifices at the temple or the religious festivals of the past, but instead, God wants changed lives.

In your efforts to please God, examine these areas of your life on a regular basis.

Are you fair in your dealings with others? Or do you prefer to take advantage of people?

Do you show mercy to those who wrong you? Or do you hold a grudge?

Are you learning humility? Or do you continue in your pride of life?

“And what does the Lord require of you?”

True faith in God generates kindness, compassion, justice, and humility. We can please God by seeking these attributes in our families, our church, and our community. God wants us to become “living sacrifices” (Romans 12:1, 2) not just doing religious deeds, but living rightly (Hebrews 9:14). It is impossible to follow God consistently without His transforming love in our hearts. God delights in a faith that produces justice, humility, love for others, and most importantly, an obedience to Him.