Act, Love, Walk

“During times of great struggle comes the need for humility, self-examination, and repentance. This is a time to invite the Spirit of God to work deeply and personally in our hearts.”

If you’ve felt anxious lately, it’s no wonder. Our country and our world have experienced deep division over many issues. Maybe you’ve felt the sting firsthand when you engaged in hard conversations with friends or family members.

The Old Testament prophet Micah was called to speak for God during a similar time of political and spiritual upheaval. Distrust had increased between the citizens of Judah and Samaria, even within families. Maybe that’s why his advice seems so appropriate today: “And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God” (Mic. 6:8)

Act Justly. We talk a lot about justice, but we don’t always view it through God’s eyes. As believers, we are responsible first and foremost to Him. God is holy and without fault; His ways are always true. As Jesus said: “Love your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind” (Matt. 22:37). Everything we think and say and do reflects on our relationship with God.

Love Mercy. We who have been shown mercy by God must show mercy to others: “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Matt. 22:39). Mercy happens when we act in compassion or forgive those who we feel don’t deserve kind treatment. We are all broken, sin-ridden people who need the grace of Christ and His blood to cleanse us, redeem us, and sanctify us. Jesus Christ gave His life and shed His blood for our redemption and for our cleansing. The Holy Spirit makes us new so that we can bring the culture of the kingdom to wherever we live.

Walk Humbly. During times of great struggle comes the need for humility, self-examination, and repentance. This is a time to invite the Spirit of God to work deeply and personally in our hearts. We need to listen to people’s stories and acknowledge their pain. Like Christ, we are to be humble people, putting others first and pointing them to God.

The Lord calls us to be light-bearers in a darkening world, leading people to Jesus. The indwelling of the Holy Spirit gives us the strength and power to follow, even when life is hard. How do we respond to struggle? Act justly. Love mercy. Walk humbly with our God.