“‘No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.’” Micah 6:8 NLT
It’s election season here in the U.S. and the nation’s discourse feels downright toxic. Polarization on either side coupled with a lack of basic decency and respect are enough to make me squirm. For the last 20 years, Micah 6:8 has been one of my mom’s favorite Bible verses. She first introduced me to this verse and when YouVersion’s Bible app made it their “verse of the day” in the last week, I saw the text within the context of this season.
In this text, the prophet Micah reminds the people that God has already told them His three requirements. For some reason, the people are failing to live out these actions so Micah has to remind them. These actions also apply to us as well. Each week, we’ll look at what it means to execute on these requirements.
What does it mean to do what is right? The Bible gives us a few insights:
Golden Rule: In Matthew 7:12 Jesus gives us His famous words “do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” In essence, Jesus is saying the respect you want, show it to others. The honesty and transparency you desire, be truthful and forthcoming with others. If you want to be forgiven, forgive others. If you want people to pay you back money borrowed, pay your debts. Basically anything that we desire from others, we should be showing it to others across the board no matter their beliefs, position or title, or any identity markers (race, class, gender, status, etc.).
Bear Fruit: Jesus promised His followers that He would send us the Holy Spirit to be a comfort and to counsel us. In Galatians 5:22-23, we also learn that because of the Holy Spirit in our lives, certain characteristics should be evident “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.”
Bless Others: In 1 Peter 3:9 we are called not to repay insults or return wrongdoings but rather bless others and speak well of them. The text goes on to say that not only were we called to bless others continuously but this is also how we obtain our blessings.
The beautiful thing about these verses is there are no qualifiers. The Word doesn’t say do unto others only if they do unto you, or show gentleness only if someone is “woke” or “pro-life” or agrees with your every position. As believers, we are called to a higher standard and to emulate the virtues of our Savior in all circumstances with all people. Consider that the next time you encounter someone who you’d rather tell off than bless.
Reflection
How often do I do the right thing? Are there certain people or situations that have qualifiers in my life? If so, what are the qualifiers used in my life to determine if I will do the right thing? How can I surrender these instances to God and live our Micah 6:8?
Prayer
Lord, thank you for equipping me with all that I need through the Holy Spirit. Forgive me for letting my humanity and my standard take over my thoughts and actions. Show me how to do the right thing and do right by others in all circumstances. Magnify the presence of Your Spirit in my life so Your will is done and not mine. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.
Photo by Matt Collamer on Unsplash
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