What God Requires
[ READ ] Micah 6–7
8 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
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
After detailing the injustice and corruption of those who should be leveraging their resources for good, Micah offers a poetic verse on how to walk out the Good News of God's redemption plan. In a world of endless self-improvement advice and competing demands, his words cut through the noise with stunning clarity: God's requirements aren't mysterious or complicated. He's already shown us what matters.
Act Justly. Justice begins with small choices. Today, you'll face moments where you can speak truth or remain silent, treat someone fairly or take advantage, honor your commitments or cut corners. Justice operates at checkout lines, in family discussions, and in workplace decisions. Where might God be calling you to act justly today?
Love Mercy. Notice the verb: love mercy, not just show it occasionally. This means developing an appetite for compassion, craving opportunities to extend grace. Who in your life needs mercy today? The colleague who made a mistake? The family member who disappointed you? The stranger whose story you don't know? Mercy transforms both giver and receiver.
Walk Humbly. Walking suggests an ongoing daily journey rather than a single destination. Humility isn't self-deprecation but honest self-awareness before God. It's recognizing that every breath is a gift and, every day, an opportunity for grace. Walking humbly means staying in conversation with God, not just in morning prayer but throughout your entire day.
- Mary Gunther
Act Justly. Justice begins with small choices. Today, you'll face moments where you can speak truth or remain silent, treat someone fairly or take advantage, honor your commitments or cut corners. Justice operates at checkout lines, in family discussions, and in workplace decisions. Where might God be calling you to act justly today?
Love Mercy. Notice the verb: love mercy, not just show it occasionally. This means developing an appetite for compassion, craving opportunities to extend grace. Who in your life needs mercy today? The colleague who made a mistake? The family member who disappointed you? The stranger whose story you don't know? Mercy transforms both giver and receiver.
Walk Humbly. Walking suggests an ongoing daily journey rather than a single destination. Humility isn't self-deprecation but honest self-awareness before God. It's recognizing that every breath is a gift and, every day, an opportunity for grace. Walking humbly means staying in conversation with God, not just in morning prayer but throughout your entire day.
- Mary Gunther
[ EXAMINE ] the passage. At this point, answer some questions about the meaning of the text. Take time to reflect:
+ Which of the three requirements—acting justly, loving mercy, or walking humbly—is easiest for you to understand? Which is hardest to grasp?
+ Why do you think Micah emphasizes that God has "already shown" us what is good? What does this reveal about God's character and His expectations?
+ Which of the three requirements—acting justly, loving mercy, or walking humbly—is easiest for you to understand? Which is hardest to grasp?
+ Why do you think Micah emphasizes that God has "already shown" us what is good? What does this reveal about God's character and His expectations?
[ APPLY ] the passage to your own life:
+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?
+ Where have you recently chosen convenience or self-interest over justice? What would it look like to act justly in that specific situation today?
+ Who needs your mercy right now, someone you've been withholding forgiveness from or judging harshly? What concrete step could you take to extend grace to them today?
+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?
+ Where have you recently chosen convenience or self-interest over justice? What would it look like to act justly in that specific situation today?
+ Who needs your mercy right now, someone you've been withholding forgiveness from or judging harshly? What concrete step could you take to extend grace to them today?
[ PRAY ] through the passage and your application, and ask God to change your heart and your life.
(e.g., your family around the dinner table, a friend, co-worker or neighbor- for help join a community group at downtownhope.churchcenter.com/groups)
+ What is my next step?
+ What is my next step to walk more humbly with God throughout my entire day, not just in designated "spiritual" moments?
+ How can I invite someone else, a family member, friend, or community group, to help me grow in acting justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly this week?
(e.g., your family around the dinner table, a friend, co-worker or neighbor- for help join a community group at downtownhope.churchcenter.com/groups)
+ What is my next step?
+ What is my next step to walk more humbly with God throughout my entire day, not just in designated "spiritual" moments?
+ How can I invite someone else, a family member, friend, or community group, to help me grow in acting justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly this week?
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