Thursday, August 27, 2009

What Does the Lord Want Me to Do? (Part 2)

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“He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" (Micah 6:8, NKJV).

Yesterday we looked at what the prophet Micah said, and highlighted the first of three comprehensive directives which the Lord has set before each one of us. The first was to do justly. Today we will look at the second.

#2 -- LOVE MERCY.

Solomon wrote, “Let not mercy and truth forsake thee” (Proverbs 3:3). Notice that mercy and truth must never be separated from one another. Truth without mercy is harsh; mercy without truth is irresponsible. Together they form the essence of godliness. Solomon went on to say that mercy and truth working together in our hearts and lives would bring us favor and good understanding in the sight of God and man.

Justice calls for action against that which is wrong; mercy requires patience in dealing with those who have been wronged. Together they accomplish God’s will in our sphere of influence. “God works powerfully,” wrote John Newton, “but for the most part He works gently and gradually.”

You and I cannot change the world, but we can do something about what goes on where we live. And if we'll see to that, the Lord will take care of the rest. After all, the light that shines the farthest, shines brightest at home.

Jesus said, "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy." Did you know that how you treat other people is a prayer you are praying, asking the Lord to treat you the same way? The one sure path you can walk is the Way of Mercy.

What does the Lord want you to do? He wants you to be a person who does justice, and who loves mercy. We will conclude this three part series tomorrow.
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