Micah 6:8 He has shown you, oh man, 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.
Isn’t it interesting to note that of the three things God expects us to do; two of them involve our relationship with each other? God cares about our relationships with our family, friends, co-workers, neighbors and the world.
We are to treat each other fairly, honestly, justly by GOD’S standards, not the world’s standards. In all our relationships, whether with fellow Christians, or the world, we represent Christ. Integrity and honesty should be a standard in all of our dealings.
Mercy is having a natural tendency to be kind, wanting to help and bring relief. Christians are compassionate people. We ‘do’ mercy. When somebody has a need, the body of Christ is THERE!
When there is a death, we bring food, coming with open arms to comfort and help. We ‘do’ mercy. At Thanksgiving and Christmas, we buy presents and food for the needy among us. We respond with mercy.
But, the scripture says to LOVE MERCY: To take pleasure in helping each other. We should be actively and eagerly looking for ways to help. We are a very needy people. God’s Holy Spirit encourages us to meet each other’s needs; to love, take delight in, to enjoy, to do with exuberance— mercy.
The scripture says when a part of the “body” hurts, we all hurt. (I Corinthians 12:25-26) We should look to the needs of each other, not wait for them to be announced from the pulpit, then jump in there and “do mercy.” God’s Word says to— LOVE— mercy.
What does God require of us? Treat each other fairly, by God’s standards. Look for ways to meet the needs of others, both physically/materially and the need to know Christ. Walk humbly with God, willing to serve anytime, anyway, in His name.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, help me to LOVE mercy, not just to–do–mercy. Open my eyes to see those beside me who need a word of encouragement, a hug, or a physical need met. Amen.
Scripture reference: I Corinthians 12:25-26 so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.