Acting Justly

“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

In GEMS, the girls are learning about Micah 6:8, a quite well known verse: “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.” It seems straight forward, but the application of it is much more difficult. In a way, Micah 6:8 encompasses all of what God asks; how we act and treat others but also our motives, intentions and thoughts. It should inform both our actions and our hearts.

The list starts with the call to act justly. At times this is easy, when the decision between right and wrong is clear. But other times, it isn’t. Situations become foggy, treating others with kindness and justice gets complicated and when you apply it to the heart it becomes even more difficult. At GEMS we defined “acting justly” as “always doing what is right”. With this definition it is nearly impossible.

It is one thing to talk about what is right and wrong, but an entirely different thing to act justly in every single thought, decision and action. If we are completely truthful, we know we can’t accomplish that on our own. But the good news is we don’t have to. God has equipped us with the Holy Spirit to guide our thoughts and actions to align with his justice and righteousness. The Holy Spirit convicts of wrongdoing and prompts us to act justly (John 16:8,13).

God prompts us to see the world through His eyes and treat others as we would like to be treated. Perhaps this means noticing the unfair treatment of another. Maybe it includes showing kindness to someone who has hurt you. It may involve a moment of confession as the Holy Spirit convicts your heart of injustice.

Whatever the case, take time to ask God to strengthen you to act justly and open your heart to the transforming work of the Holy Spirit. Reflect on who God might be calling you to treat with kindness and justice. How is God transforming your heart to look more like his?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, We thank you for the gift of your word that so clearly guides us. In a world of uncertainty, pain and injustice, we pray for the boldness and strength to follow your command to act justly. Give us eyes to see others through your eyes and treat them with the love and grace you have shown us. Convict us of attitudes and actions that need to change and open our hearts to the transforming work of your Holy Spirit. It is in Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Makalah Scholten 
Director of Operations