What Does the Lord Require?

What does the Lord require of you? This is a question that many Christians ask themselves as they seek to live faithfully and obediently to God. But sometimes, we may get confused or overwhelmed by the many expectations and commands that we find in the Bible or hear from others. How can we know what God really wants from us? Let us explore what the prophet Micah said about God’s requirements for his people, and how they apply to us today. Remember that there is something to be said about keeping it simple and to the point. To do justice: God cares deeply about how we treat others, especially those who are oppressed, marginalized, or vulnerable. He wants us to stand up for what is right and fair, and to defend the cause of the poor and the needy. Doing justice means not only avoiding injustice, but also actively working to correct it and prevent it. For example, we can do justice by speaking out against racism, sexism, or any form of discrimination or abuse; by volunteering or donating to organizations that fight for human rights and dignity; by being honest and ethical in our dealings with others; and by voting for leaders who uphold justice and peace. To love kindness: God also cares about how we relate to others, especially those who are different from us or disagree with us. He wants us to show kindness, compassion, mercy, and grace to everyone we encounter. Loving kindness means not only avoiding hatred, anger, or violence, but also actively seeking to bless and serve others. For example, we can love kindness by being friendly and courteous to strangers; by forgiving and reconciling with those who hurt us; by helping and encouraging those who are struggling or suffering; and by sharing the gospel and the love of Christ with others.

To walk humbly with our God:God also cares about how we relate to him, especially in our attitude and obedience. He wants us to walk humbly with him, acknowledging his sovereignty, wisdom, and grace in our lives. Walking humbly with God means not only avoiding pride, arrogance, or self-reliance, but also actively seeking to know him, trust him, and follow him. For example, we can walk humbly with God by reading and studying his word; by praying and listening to his voice; by worshiping and praising him; and by obeying and submitting to his will.

Micah’s requirements are very similar to what Jesus said when he was asked about the greatest commandment in the law. Jesus said, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” (Matthew 22:37-40) Jesus was summarizing what God had always wanted from his people: to love him with their whole being, and to love others as themselves. This is the essence of what it means to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with God. But how do we love God and our neighbor in this way? How do we show our love in our actions and attitudes? How do we fulfill these two great commandments in our daily lives? In the next section, we will look at some practical ways that we can express our love for God and for others, and how doing so will bring us joy and peace.*

What does the Lord require of you? To do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God. This is what Micah said to the people of Israel thousands of years ago, but it is still relevant and applicable for us today. This is what God wants from us as his children and his followers. Jesus echos Micah when he summarizes the law and the prophets with “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul and with all your mind……You shall love your neighbor as yourself”. This is what it means to live a life that pleases him and honors him. How are you doing justice, loving kindness, and walking humbly with God in your life? How are you loving God and others? What are some ways that you can grow in these areas?