The prophet Micah summed up God’s requirements for how to live a godly life in three simple but profound imperatives: “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8). At first glance these commands seem straightforward. But a deeper look reveals layers of meaning that provide insight into what God cares about and how He calls us to live.
Do Justice
To “do justice” means actively pursuing what is lawful, fair, and righteous. More than simply avoiding wrongdoing, doing justice requires making things right.
1. Defending the oppressed – God calls us to “defend the rights of the poor and needy” (Proverbs 31:9). This means we must speak up against injustice, corruption, and abuse of power that exploits the vulnerable (Isaiah 1:17).
2. Caring for widows and orphans – Scripture repeatedly emphasizes providing for and protecting those who cannot care for themselves, like widows, orphans, immigrants and the poor (James 1:27, Isaiah 1:17).
3. Showing impartiality – Justice requires that we treat all people fairly, without showing favoritism or discrimination based on race, gender, class or any other external factor (Leviticus 19:15).
4. Being generous – Doing justly means freely giving what others need without expectation of return, just as God has freely given to us (Luke 6:38, 1 John 3:17). This includes time, resources, and compassion.
5. Bearing true witness – Justice relies on honesty, integrity and personal responsibility. We must therefore testify truthfully, speak the truth and refuse to spread lies or misinformation (Proverbs 12:17).
6. Making righteous judgments – As human judges, we are called to judge matters fairly and impartially based on biblical principles of morality, compassion and wisdom (John 7:24, Zechariah 8:16).
Therefore, doing justice requires proactively intervening on behalf of the disadvantaged and voiceless while also displaying integrity in our words, deeds and relationships.
Love Mercy
To “love mercy” means actively caring for those in need with compassion. This goes beyond simply withholding judgment and condemnation by requiring demonstrative concern for others’ wellbeing.
1. Showing empathy – Loving mercy starts with striving to understand others’ situations, pains and motivations before rushing to judge them (Matthew 7:1-2). It means seeing them as God sees them.
2. Forgiving others – An essential aspect of mercy is forgiveness – releasing bitterness and resentment and restoring relationships marred by wrongdoing (Ephesians 4:32, Matthew 6:14-15).
3. Meeting physical needs – Loving mercy means feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless, caring for the sick – serving “the least of these” with tangible help (Matthew 25:35-40, Isaiah 58:7).
4. Visiting those in prison – One way to show mercy is caring for those who are marginalized or forgotten by society, like inmates. This can look like mentoring, sending encouraging letters, or praying for them (Matthew 25:36).
5. Comforting those who mourn – We can demonstrate tender mercy by comforting those experiencing bereavement, tragedy, or distress with our presence, prayers and support (Romans 12:15, 1 Thessalonians 5:14).
6. Being patient with others – Loving mercy requires bearing patiently with people who are difficult to deal with, rather than lashing out in anger or criticism (Ephesians 4:2, Proverbs 14:29).
7. Speaking words of cheer – Simple acts like offering uplifting words, sending cards or notes of affirmation, or verbalizing grace and encouragement can provide much-needed mercy (Proverbs 12:25, Ephesians 4:29).
Genuinely loving mercy means humbly lowering ourselves to bind up wounds, meet needs and extend compassion, no matter how inconvenient or uncomfortable it may be.
Walk Humbly
To “walk humbly” before God and others means living modestly and generously out of an accurate self-understanding. Some key aspects include:
1. Having humility – This involves regularly practicing self-denial, modeling servant leadership, and valuing others above ourselves (Philippians 2:3-4, Romans 12:10).
2. Confessing sins and limitations – Walking humbly means being quick to take ownership of our mistakes and flaws, rather than making excuses for them (1 John 1:8-9, James 5:16).
3. Being teachable – We demonstrate humility when we recognize that we always have more to learn. This includes listening carefully to feedback and instruction (Proverbs 15:33, 12:1).
4. Expressing gratitude – Gratefulness acknowledges our complete dependence on God’s grace and others’ help. Thanking God and others helps keep us humble (Colossians 3:16, Romans 1:8).
5. Practicing stewardship – Using our gifts, time and resources wisely and generously reflects humility. So does living within our means (1 Peter 4:10, Luke 16:10-11).
6. Serving willingly – Walking humbly involves looking for lowly ways to serve rather than holding out for prestigious roles and tasks (Mark 10:43-45, John 13:1-17).
7. Submitting to authority – Humbly submitting to governing authorities and leadership placed over us demonstrates godly fear and restraint of pride (Romans 13:1, Hebrews 13:7).
Living humbly requires authenticity about our limitations and regular acts of service birthed out of gratitude, not self-promotion. This humility springs from an accurate perspective – recognizing that all we have comes from God.
Conclusion
Micah 6:8 beautifully synthesizes how God expects His followers to live. We are to be champions of justice, especially for the vulnerable. We must model Christlike compassion in the midst of brokenness. And humility should mark our steps as we acknowledge our dependence on God’s grace.
Doing justly, loving mercy and walking humbly summon us beyond empty religious ritual. As Micah says, God requires that we actually live out genuine righteousness, kindness, and humility. When these qualities unite in our lives, they point clearly toward the God we serve. Our lives echo the justice, mercy and humility that flow eternally from His throne (Psalm 89:14).