Gratitude In Action
Wednesday, September 3
Micah 6:8 (NKJV)
"He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?"
Devotion
In this chapter of the Bible, God seeks active gratitude from those He has saved and provided for. He is not looking for fancy offerings or rituals; He wants us to demonstrate His character toward others from our hearts. God desires to work not only in us but also through us to save others marked for spiritual death due to sin, who may also be staggering toward physical death.
In contrast, God calls out those who are deceitful with words, lie, cheat in business dealings, or act violently toward one another. God is angry about these sins and promises that those who behave this way will not keep what they earn. They will be desolate, hungry, and have a bad reputation (verses 10-16). Let us watch ourselves in these things so that we can call others out of sin and not be disqualified. In humility, we recognize that we, too, need a Savior.
We are reminded elsewhere that mercy, which calls others out of sin and to Jesus, may be gentle, forceful, or even have the tone of an emergency (Jude 1:22-23). If we walk humbly with God and love mercy, the Holy Spirit helps us discern the right kind of mercy to show at the right time.
So, speak up and fear not. The life you help rescue results in rejoicing in heaven (Luke 15:7, 10), and who knows what great things God will do?
Today's Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
I ask You to give me a heart that sees as You do and carries Your burden for the lost. Let me not forget the places You delivered me from, and with that appreciation of Your mercy, may I extend it freely to others in need. Help me speak Your truth in love. I also lift up those who will hear Your message, that their hearts may be softened and they may receive it.
In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Apply It Today
Today, reflect on the Lord’s goodness and mercy, and consider how you can extend His love. Will it be through prayer, a small act of kindness, or a word of encouragement? Be intentional today to bless one person He places on your heart and watch Him move!
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