What Does the Lord Require of Us?
In Micah 6:8, we find one of the clearest and most profound expressions of what it means to lead a life that delights the heart of God:
“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?”
This powerful verse distills our relationship with God into three distinct yet interconnected actions:
- Act Justly – Engage with honesty and fairness in all your interactions.
- Love Mercy – Be generous in compassion, actively seeking to alleviate the struggles of others.
- Walk Humbly with God – Cultivate a close, reverent relationship with Him, marked by trust and humility rather than pride.
It may sound simple, but simplicity does not equate to ease.
Not a Path to Salvation, but Evidence of It
These actions are not prerequisites to earning salvation; rather, they are natural outpourings of it. Through the sacrificial love of the Messiah, we gain access to a profound relationship with our Heavenly Father. In this relationship, He teaches, guides, and transforms us—not because we’ve earned it, but purely out of love.
The fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—isn’t something we manufacture; it flourishes in us as we are filled with His presence. We are not changed by our striving but transformed by His abiding influence.
Examine the Fruit of Your Life
Consider these questions deeply:
- Do I respond with gentleness or with anger?
- Is my heart a wellspring of peace or a source of anxiety?
- Am I patient, or do I rush to frustration?
- Do I show kindness, or do I act in self-interest?
- Am I trustworthy, or do I let promises slip?
- Does joy characterize my life, or do I succumb to discouragement?
Life is fraught with challenges, from broken relationships to financial burdens and deep wounds from our past. Yet, regardless of our circumstances, God calls us to respond with justice, mercy, and humility.
The Power of Kindness
The Hebrew word for mercy used in Micah 6:8 is chesed, encapsulating the essence of loving kindness, loyal love, and covenant faithfulness. Kindness transcends mere niceness; it is love that manifests in actionable ways.
Just like the Good Samaritan who reached out to help someone in dire need and Christ, our ultimate role model, kindness is a choice we can actively make.
The Apostle Paul beautifully expresses this in Colossians 3:12:
“Therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and dearly loved, put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.”
To “put on” these qualities is akin to dressing ourselves daily; we must intentionally cover our hearts in kindness, making it a habitual practice.
Choose Your Day Wisely
I often asked my children, “Do you want to have a good day or a bad day?” This simple question reminded them that their actions and attitudes would shape their experiences. Witnessing my daughter ask her children this encourages me—it’s a lesson that transcends generations.
Paul reminds us in Philippians 2:4:
“Each of you should look not only to your interests but also to the interests of others.”
This is the essence of kindness.
When Christians Fail Each Other
Regrettably, I have sometimes witnessed more kindness from those outside the church than from within it. This is disheartening, as it’s true that “the Christian army is the only one that shoots its wounded.”
We often rush to criticize instead of offering comfort and judge instead of restoring. Jesus’ strongest admonitions were against such hypocrisy and harsh judgment. Our calling is not to weigh others down with their burdens but to carry them alongside our fellow believers.
“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” – Ephesians 4:32
When tempted to judge someone struggling, remember: there may come a day when you find yourself in their shoes.
Kindness to the Unkind
True kindness is not limited to those who are easy to love. As Jesus taught, “If you love those who love you, what reward do you have?” (Matthew 5:46).
God extends kindness to the ungrateful and wicked, and we are called to do the same. Mark Twain once remarked, “Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear, and the blind can see.” Though it requires nothing from us, its impact is profound.
Healing through Kindness (continued)
Consider the story of Joseph: betrayed by his brothers, sold into slavery, and later forgotten in prison, he had the opportunity to take revenge, but he chose forgiveness instead. He met his brothers with kindness when they were at their most vulnerable.
That demonstrates the supernatural—the kind of kindness that reflects Christ.
“Do not fear...you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good.” – Genesis 50:19–20
So, How Do We Live This Way?
The secret lies in surrender. We cannot simply will ourselves to be kind. However, when we yield to Christ's presence, He fills us with love, gentleness, and strength.
“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me...” – Galatians 2:20
Every day, we should pray: “Less of me. More of You.”
Kindness is a Language. Learn It. Speak It.
“...that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may...know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.” – Ephesians 3:17–19
Whatever the Lord requires of you is ultimately for your good. Justice, mercy, and humility are His desires for us and pathways to a richer life.
An Analogy of Kindness
Think of kindness as a garden. The seeds you plant with your actions and words can grow into a lush landscape or a barren field, depending on what you nurture. Just as a gardener tends to their garden—watering, weeding, and nurturing—so must we care for the expressions of kindness in our lives. In the Hebrew tradition, the chesed kindness is akin to planting a tree that provides shade and fruit for others, signifying a legacy of love and care. When we cultivate this garden of kindness, we benefit ourselves and those around us, making the world a more beautiful place.
Ultimately, as we walk closely with God and embody these qualities, we find genuine life for ourselves and others. Let this be our journey together.
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Letting Go of Anger, Bitterness, Guilt, and Shame
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