“He has shown you, O mortal, 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. “- Micah 6:8
How do we respond to the call of the Gospel? I believe that’s the most important decision of our lives. Do we follow the Spirit or feed the flesh? God is very clear about not being a friend to this world. Why? Because this world is contrary to the spirits of forgiveness, charity, true mercy, and justice. If the world crucified a perfect man in Jesus, then why should we expect anything different if we do God's will? In fact, if we do God's will, we will stand out.
The Hebrew meaning of the word "holy" means to be set apart. If we act justly and show mercy, we will stand out in a crowd that seeks to crucify anyone for the littlest things.
Just look at how some people act when they hide behind social media. We’re so quick to judge and then pile on that judgment. As children of God, we are called to walk a higher road, a higher way. I’d say that means walking in the grace that God gives us. I believe the Spirit helps us recognize what true humility is.
So, what do we do to help this poor world? Be people of character, forgiveness, humility—and then the Son will shine on you. That means care for the needy, remember those who have blessed you and always find a way to be grateful for what you have before you complain about what you don’t have. If you have food , shelter , family, and health , then you are one of the wealthiest people on earth. And if you have none of that and just Jesus , then you still are richer than the richest men on earth.
The sun will shine brighter and brighter on the righteous. Keep that eternal perspective because we are called to be of heaven and to bring heaven down to earth.
Mercy and justice are refreshing because they give us purpose and relieve the burdens that we all carry. We need to surrender to God's will so we too can walk humbly. And God says that if we refresh others in this way, He will refresh us. So ask yourself, is there any part of your life where you fall short of acting justly, living humbly or loving mercy?
Bryan Quackenbush - Verses Co-founder