PASTOR’S CORNER, Pastor Phillip Dow, New Beginnings Church, Liberal
“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, NIV)
Micah 6:8 is one of the clearest calls in Scripture to live out our faith in a way that reflects God’s character. It captures the heart of what God desires for His people: a life of justice, mercy, and humility in our relationship with Him and with others.
Justice is a word we hear often in our world, yet its meaning can get muddled. From a biblical perspective, to "do justly" means to live in a way that aligns with God’s righteousness. It’s about standing for what is right, defending the oppressed, and treating others with fairness and integrity. As followers of Christ, we are called to reflect His justice in our daily lives. This may mean speaking out against injustice within our community. It could also mean making personal sacrifices to ensure others are treated with dignity and respect. Doing justly is not just an action; it’s a lifestyle rooted in God’s unchanging truth.
The word “mercy” brings to mind the compassion and forgiveness of God. The call is not just to show mercy but to love it. This speaks to our heart's attitude. Are we eager to extend forgiveness and kindness to others, even when they don’t deserve it? Jesus Himself modeled this perfectly. From healing the sick to forgiving His enemies, Christ showed us that mercy is not a weakness but a powerful expression of God’s love. When we love mercy, we create space for God’s grace to work in our relationships. It means choosing compassion over judgment and kindness over retaliation.
Walking humbly with God is about surrender and intimacy. It’s recognizing that we are utterly dependent on Him. Pride says, “I can do it on my own,” but humility bows before God and says, “Lord, I need You.” Walking humbly also means aligning our lives with God’s will. It’s a daily decision to trust Him, seek His guidance, and submit to His plans. As we walk with Him, we grow in relationship and learn to hear His voice more clearly.
So, how do we live out Micah 6:8? This verse is not just a checklist of tasks but a holistic picture of a life surrendered to God. To live this way, we need the Holy Spirit’s power. On our own, we can’t fully embody justice, mercy, or humility, but with God’s help, we can reflect His heart to a world in desperate need.
Let us each commit to living out Micah 6:8—not just in word but in action. Let’s seek justice in our communities, extend mercy to our neighbors, and walk humbly with our God every day. In doing so, we fulfill His calling and shine as a light in the darkness.
