“He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8)
God has not told us to do justice or love kindness, or walk humbly with Him. He has told us to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with Him. Different versions of Micah 6:8 will refer to kindness, mercy, or grace. The Hebrew Bible uses the word "grace."
What does it mean to give grace to someone? The Biblical definition refers to "undeserved kindness." It means showing love and compassion to someone even though they may not appreciate it, understand what it costs you, or plan to return the kindness.
Micah 6:8 does not tell us to do justice or love grace. We are to do both as we walk humbly with God. When you think of God's grace, what comes to mind?
Consider Romans 5:8: "But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." What thoughts do you have as you meditate on this verse and God's grace towards you?
Do you 100% believe you are saved by grace, or do you feel you need to earn it? Consider Ephesians 2:8: "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God." What do you think of as you consider salvation and God's forgiveness as a free gift, which you did not earn?
What is your understanding of showing grace to others? Does it depend on the person, your feelings, or the situation? God wants us to demonstrate grace to others and to become strong in this area. On a scale of 0 to 10, with "0" never showing grace to anyone and "10" representing that you always show grace no matter the person or situation, how would you rate your "grace demonstration"?
As God has forgiven us, so we are to forgive others. As God demonstrated grace to us, we are to show grace to others. God wants us to grow strong in this area and not hold back. Colossians 3:13 says: "Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you". As you meditate on this verse, what comes to mind?
Grace for someone specific:
Does someone come to mind that you feel you could be showing more grace to? Are you trying to do this naturally? Now is the time to ask God to give you His grace for the person. To see them through His eyes. Remember the grace He has shown you and the expectation that you will be His grace to others.
Grace in your everyday life:
How would you rate yourself on a scale of 0 to 10 at work or at home? "0" would be "Never graceful to anyone," and 10 would be "Always graceful to everyone."
Look for ways to demonstrate grace to others this week at work and home. Be especially careful to consider those times when something (or someone) may have disappointed you or irritated you. If you historically were not so gracious, be aware of these opportunities going forward to show grace and forgiveness. Can you think of one thing that might arise next week at work or home that you can respond to with "strong grace"? If so, write it down below.
Consider writing a prayer about a situation or person that is stressing you. Refer to if often during this coming week.
Taking This To God in Prayer
God, would You help me to walk out Micah 6:8 at work? May I offer justice whenever injustice occurs around me. May I extend grace wherever it is needed. And may I walk humbly before You, my Guide and Saviour. I thank You for the grace and mercy You always offer me as Your child. Help me to walk this out wherever I am as I navigate this new work week. Amen.
May God richly bless you as you demonstrate His grace, love, and mercy at work and in your home.
Bonny, Christian Women at Work
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