SPREADING LIGHT BY DOING RIGHT
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)
“In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.”
Matthew 5:16 (NLT)
Have you ever told the Lord or a loved one, Just tell me what to do, and I’ll do it? Father, just show me the right thing to do!
God has told us what is good. The Bible displays God’s heart of love toward us and provides His loving guidance on how to experience life with a heavenly Father we can trust.
The Bible is full of good things God has told us. In this verse, He tells us what He wants from us, even what He requires of us.
Do what’s right. Some Bible translations say, do justice. Most of us know in our hearts the right thing to do, but if we’re unsure, we can typically find guidance or at least a principle in God’s Word that will show us what’s right. God has told us what is good.
Love mercy. Seek to show kindness to someone who doesn’t appear to deserve it. Look for the good in those around us instead of accentuating the negative. Be quick to forgive those who make mistakes, as we would hope to be forgiven by them.
Walk humbly with your God. What a privilege! The God of the universe wants to walk alongside us through this life. Because He knows best and He knows what’s coming around the corner, He wants to take the lead. He wants us to walk through life holding onto His hand like our lives depend on hanging on to Him. He wants us to walk in humble dependence on Him.
How would it feel to be around someone seeking to do what’s right, showing kindness and mercy to you and others, and showing humility by following God’s guidance rather than demanding their way? Sounds like a place of brightness rather than darkness.
May we be instruments of God’s light today!
APPLICATION: Ask God to show you something good He wants you to know today. Watch for someone to whom you can show kindness or mercy today.
PRAYER: Father, help me think of the good things You want me to know today. Lead me to do what’s right, show mercy to those around me, and depend on You.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?