Doing What the Lord Requires

He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God. — Micah 6:8

The prophet Micah famously distilled God’s will into a clear and probing call: “to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.” This verse reminds us that true devotion is found in a life shaped by love for God, not in empty religious performance. When we orient our hearts toward God, we reflect His character — seeking justice where there is wrong, loving mercy where there is need, and walking humbly in continual dependence on His grace. Love guards us from pride in our good works and keeps us grounded in the reality that we are recipients of His mercy and grace. 

Living in the way Micah describes requires intentional, everyday obedience to God and His commands. To “do justice” means pursuing what is right in our relationships and responsibilities. We speak the truth, act with integrity, and advocate for those who are overlooked. To “love mercy” is to delight in showing compassion and meeting other people’s needs with generosity rather than reluctance. And to “walk humbly with your God” is to cultivate a daily awareness of His presence, acknowledging our need for His guidance in all things. When we live in these ways, justice, love, and mercy are the natural fruit of a heart devoted to Him instead of abstract ideals. Find a way to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God this week. 

Prayer: Humble and Meek Savior, I often walk proudly instead of humbly. Forgive me in Your grace and teach me to be humble, to love mercy, and to do justice in every part of my life. 

Reflection Questions: 

1. How can you grow in genuinely loving mercy rather than showing it reluctantly? 
2. What practical steps can you take this week to walk more humbly and dependently with God? 

Weekly Memory Verse: Indeed, I count everything as loss for the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him… — Philippians 3:8-9a