The 20 Verses You Love Most: #17 Acts of Love

The 20 Verses You Love Most | Liz Curtis Higgs

Some of us like to keep things simple. “Just tell me what to do, and I’ll do it.” Especially if we’ve messed up, we want a list showing us how to fix what’s broken. One, two, three. Check off each one, and we’re done.

God gave his people a short to-do list like that, tucked among the pages of Micah—a small book full of big themes. Big, bad themes, actually. The coming judgment. Weeping and mourning. False prophets and dishonest leaders. Guilt and punishment. Misery and desolation.

Oh dear. Hard to believe we plucked a favorite verse out of all that. But we did.

Is there any good news in this post? Any hope of redemption? Count on it. In the meantime, to quote Bette Davis in All About Eve, “Fasten your seatbelts. It’s going to be a bumpy night.”

Bible Open to Micah 6

“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 the 8th century B.C., “The word of the Lord…came to Micah” (Micah 1:1), a minor prophet from Moresheth in the hill country south of Jerusalem.

The role of a prophet is to speak God’s truth, even when it hurts, and it usually does. When Micah prophesied, idolatry was rampant, spiritual lethargy was pandemic, and justice and fairness were nowhere to be found.

Sound familiar?

At the start of this chapter, God takes the bench, gavel in hand: “For the Lord has a case against his people; he is lodging a charge against Israel” (Micah 6:2). After the charges are outlined, the chapter ends with a stiff sentence: “Therefore I will give you over to ruin and your people to derision” (Micah 6:16).

Order in the Court

Our verse this week is a stern reminder of what God’s people were supposed to be doing, but weren’t. Let’s see if our generation is doing any better.

He has shown you,…

Yes, he certainly has shown us. Throughout Scripture, God has “made it plain” (MSG) what he expects of us. We have “already been told” (CJB). We are without excuse.

Nonetheless, I keep making excuses.

Lord, I would do more for others, if I had enough energy to spare.
L
ord, I would be more generous, if I could be sure where the money goes.
Lord, I would spend more time in your presence, if I wasn’t so busy.

And on and on and on. Groan.

…O mortal,…

That’s a phrase we don’t toss around very much. O mortal. In the Bible it’s seldom used as a compliment, since “God is greater than any mortal” (Job 33:12). Job gives mortals a sound thrashing, describing us as “full of trouble” (14:1), “vile and corrupt” (15:16), “a maggot—a human being, who is only a worm!” (25:6). Eww.

Unlike our immortal God, mortals are “men and women” (MSG) who will die. God declares, “Return to dust, you mortals” (Psalm 90:3). Our mortality, our fragility, our finality—all are abundantly clear.

Resting Place for Mortals

God is not-so-gently reminding us that the life of mortals is “like grass…the wind blows over it and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more” (Psalm 103:15-16). See those gravestones? Can you read the names? Right. No more.

…what is good.

That’s what God has shown us: “what goodness is” (ERV), “what is good in His sight” (VOICE). Not good by our definition; good by God’s definition.

My standard of “what is good” is all over the map. I compare one behavior to another, instead of comparing everything I do with God’s goodness. I end up with actions that are “pretty good” and “not so good” and “kinda good” and “good enough.”

No, Liz. Good is what God says is good: himself.
In fact, Jesus said, “No one is good—except God alone” (Mark 10:18).

Why do we insist on making up our own rules, when God has already laid down the Law?

And what does the Lord require of you?

This is where we really get in trouble. We prefer to go with the bare minimum. That’s what the Israelites were doing during Micah’s time: asking for the cut-to-the-chase list of “what Adonai demands” (CJB), “what the Lord really wants” (NET). We’re right there with them: we want to know “how to live, what to do, what God is looking for” (MSG).

As long as his requirements are manageable. As long as we don’t actually have to change…

Thoughtful Woman

To act justly…

That’s the first of the three items on God’s list. “See that justice is done” (CEV), he tells us. “Be fair to other people” (ERV). “Do what is right” (NLV).

Sounds easy enough. Be fair, play nice, do random acts of kindness. Is that it?

No. We need to think bigger. Think broader. Think how to “promote justice” (NET) in every corner of the world we touch. Some people I know excel at this. They volunteer, they give away their time and talents and resources, they reach out to the least of these, and find themselves touching the hem of Christ’s garment.

When we worry about everybody getting a share, instead of making sure we keep our share, we show the world a God who loves the poor and lifts up the humble and embraces the broken. We show them Jesus.

I would give myself no better than a C-  for “act justly.” I have so far to go. Embarrassingly far.

…and to love mercy…

I’m breathing easier on this one. “Love grace” (CJB)? You bet. “Love being kind to others” (EXB)? With all my heart. “Let mercy be your first concern” (CEV)? I’m in, let’s go.

Except my willingness to extend mercy, grace, kindness, and compassion to others eventually runs out. Like a switch being flicked off, I’m suddenly out of juice. Out of patience, out of energy, out of time.

The Word says, “You must love others faithfully” (NIRV), but I say, “Can I pass on this one, Lord? Can you find someone else to love her? Someone who isn’t weary of doing good?”

Some days I might earn a B+, even an A-  for my grace-giving ways. Alas, there are too many other days when I avoid rather than approach, when I duck my head instead of extending my hand. D-  kind of days.

No getting around it: another C.

Humble Child of God

…and to walk humbly…

A handful of words, yet rich with meaning. “Walk” is the translation we find most, yet “live” (NCV) and “obey” (ERV) help us move beyond the physical act of walking and get what God is really saying. Step by step, we’re to live a life that’s holy, set apart. Follow his lead and love others. Put feet to our faith.

And do it humbly, God reminds us. Like a child who knows he is a child, and so depends on his parents. “These are the ones I look on with favor: those who are humble and contrite in spirit, and who tremble at my word” (Isaiah 6:2).

I’m trembling, all right. Yes, I’m walking with God, but humbly? I don’t dare give myself a grade on that one, though I fear it would pull down my C average even farther. And if we’re not grading on a curve, then I’m failing altogether.

Is there any hope, for any of us? You bet.

…with your God.

I promised we would find redemption at the end of this post, and here it is. He is with us—by our side and on our side. He is yours, he is mine, he is ours. And he is God, the “True God” (VOICE), the “one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” (Ephesians 4:6).

We may fail, but God never fails. He is with us. He is our God.

After the prophet Micah thoroughly chastised God’s people, he ended his final chapter praising the Lord for his grace.

“Who is a God like you,
who pardons sin and forgives the transgression
of the remnant of his inheritance?
You do not stay angry forever
but delight to show mercy.
You will again have compassion on us;
you will tread our sins underfoot
and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea.” Micah 7:18-19

Read the last line aloud and let the truth of it sink in. Into the depths of the sea. That’s where God has hurled all your failings, all your mistakes, all your poor grades as a believer, all your iniquities, all your sins. All of them.

Depths of the Sea

Why do we go deep sea diving and insist on dragging back to shore those things that God has already taken care of for us?

Thanks to God’s mercy—and through his power alone—we can not only know what is good, but also do what is good. Rather than simply memorize this verse, we can act upon it. Wow, Lord. Just. Wow.

“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

Now it’s your turn

I went into this week’s study with fear and trembling, knowing that Micah 6:8 was surrounded with words of judgment. I feared if I revealed the big picture, God’s mercy might sink from view.

Instead, the Lord showed us that everything he requires of us has already been accomplished. His justice, his mercy became a finished work on the cross. Humility is what happens when we see ourselves for what we truly are: broken, sinful, needy. And see God for who he truly is: powerful, loving, merciful.

Of the three things God asks of his people, which one seems the hardest for you? How might that change if you trusted the Holy Spirit to do it through you?

  • act justly
  • love mercy
  • walk humbly

I hope you’ll share your thoughts below under Post a Comment. Your honesty and vulnerability are a precious gift to your sisters and to me.

Next week, we’ll move back to the New Testament and unpack #16 of the verses you love. Might it be the one you voted for?

Your sister, Liz

51 Responses to The 20 Verses You Love Most: #17 Acts of Love

  1. Deborah Cole May 1, 2013 at 8:25 am #

    Thank you Sister Liz for sharing your words of wisdom to inspire, encourage and support us to be exactly what the Father is looking for in HIS Children… Many Blessings to you this day!

    • Anne May 3, 2013 at 2:30 pm #

      Amen well said!

  2. Laurie May 1, 2013 at 8:32 am #

    This has long been a favorite verse of mine; I love justice (for others, not myself!) and mercy (but have a harder time giving it than receiving it!) and the thought of humility seems often tied to humiliation, which my proud little heart mostly avoids rather than embraces….but I am learning, oh so slowly, that God is good, He can be trusted, He has got my back and that it’s all going to be okay in the end.

  3. Karen DeArmond Gardner May 1, 2013 at 8:36 am #

    Powerful. 3 simple steps which in the beginning seem unclimbable until you remind the work is done & we don’t do this on our own but in the power of the Holy Spirit.

  4. Susan Stilwell May 1, 2013 at 8:37 am #

    Loving mercy is a hard one for me. I think it’s hard to show mercy to someone who keeps doing the same things over and over again, and doesn’t seem to be trying to improve. But then again, I don’t know what’s going on in his/her heart, which makes me a judge! Ugh, it’s just downright hard sometimes.

    I loved this phrase, Liz: all your poor grades as a believer…
    Like having everything removed from your “permanent record” – thank You, Jesus 🙂

    • Liz Curtis Higgs May 8, 2013 at 8:43 am #

      Love your honesty, Susan. Yes, it IS sometimes hard to forgive people over and over for the same mistakes. Then I remember how God forgives me over and over and OVER and…right. Help us, Lord!

  5. Amy-Lynn Weidman May 1, 2013 at 8:43 am #

    Liz you are a blessing to us women who needed an offbeat down to earth explanation of how to live a God based life and how to get over ourselves and see the bigger picture! Thank you for your hilarious way of teaching your way of sifting thru the bible and life at Branson, MO at the Women of Joy conference 4/26/2013-4/28/2013 . You definitely impacted my view! I loved everything you had to say and will be remembering your words as to apply them to my life daily. I rate about your C average too….we won’t count the curve scale either lol! Keep doing what you are doing cause I know there are many who can relate to what you have to say. And don’t lose that sense of humor, that’s the other thing that God blessed us with…he definitely had a sense of humor when he created us! I believe that’s also where humility comes from….if we can laugh thru our mistakes and learn from them and God can forgive us for them and still love us?? Then we can pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off and get back into doing what God asks us to do. First we must all talk to God daily…just as if he is sitting in front of us. I don’t care if I look like the crazy old lady sitting on the porch with my dogs talking to the empty chair….cause it’s not empty. God has his choice of seat anywhere around me and I will give him the time of the day or night whether it means I’m prompting the conversation or if he slaps me in the forehead with a brick. That’s my favorite line…”Lord, if you are saying something to me and want me to get it and not mistake it for the wrong thing….slap me in the forehead with a brick…you know I’m a bit thick headed!” lol By Sunday this past weekend the brick hit me at 5 AM and I jumped out of bed and said, “hey! God’s been talking to me all weekend thru these songs and speakers and ladies I’ve met at the conference…listen up and do what he’s telling you to do!” . Guess what? I walked in the door at the conference and was full of spirit that morning and finally, finally!, surrendered all….I just needed that brick! Now I’m home, was tried in my heart already a few times yesterday and almost just almost gave in and threw the towel in. Thankfully I not only had God to talk to but also a good base of Christian friends who’ve been standing behind me the past few weeks thru some major family struggles. I was able to dust myself off get up and do what I needed to do and stop wallowing I my pity and move on. God is such an awesome God that way, he puts people in our lives for a reason, so when we just can’t seem to get it they are there to remind us the bigger picture and insight. I even had met a lady at the conference who was talking about caring for a parent with dementia and told me to get this book called 36 hrs in a day after I told her about caring for my Gram who had a bad stroke. I got home from the conference to be told by my mom that Friday they found out Gram also has dementia, stage 3 and is dying. I’m the one who cries at everything…and I mean everything, spilt milk and all. I didn’t shed a tear, my mom thought she was talking to a different daughter! lol. But then again, “God works in mysterious ways”, all that took place this past weekend and the woman I met and spoke with, made it all the easier to take in what was being told to me. I was being prepared for that conversation and instead I had relief that a doctor actually gave us the diagnosis I thought all along we were missing. Now what do we do? We talk to God, we keep him informed of how we are feeling and dealing with the situation and asking God to just be with us thru this journey and follow his lead. Not take the reigns and just do what we think is best, that’s not what God wants, he wanted me to be prepared for what’s coming and to let him guide me thru it. I don’t think I’d have this outlook right now if I didn’t go to that conference, I’d still be in the corner crying asking what do I do? Instead I say hey look at all these ladies who also have their own problems in their lives….they overcame and daily they say “hey God, let’s walk thru this day together and see what we can do to serve you and make you happy today” meanwhile God says ok my child….that’s all I wanted to hear you say. Or at least that’s how I look at it, he just wants us to acknowledge him and let him into our lives and not just make all these decisions without asking him what he’d rather us do thru that time. You are a blessing and I can’t wait to hear from you again. Will be following you on FB and as the $ comes in here and there I plan on getting your books for your words of encouragement when I do get a lil offtrack. BTW really loved the Dead Sea story….I’d be one of the corks yellin’ Help too! hahaha! God Bless you each and every day!

    • Leisia May 1, 2013 at 9:57 am #

      Wow!! What an awsome God we serve! I am so thankful for HIS mercy, HIS truth and HIS grace. I am reminded that “his mercies are new every morning and never come to an end”. Unfortunately, mine do, I am so mortal and I give myself a “D”. I need to work on ALL the steps, thankfully God is patient and longsuffering. I don’t want to go “deep sea diving” any more !! Thank YOU GOD that you HURL (that’s WAY bigger than just throw) our iniquities to the depths of the sea. That is DEEP!! There are places that have never been seen down there (by us humans) God has seen it, he created it! Thank you God! And thanks Lizzie for ALL of your words of encouragement! God Bless You!

    • Liz Curtis Higgs May 8, 2013 at 8:47 am #

      Girlfriend, you TRULY got the message at Women of Joy! Good for you. And you are the second person I’ve heard mention the book, “36 Hours in a Day.” For anyone who is trying to cope with a loved one suffering from dementia, you might also find comfort in Robert Benson’s new book, “Moving Miss Peggy.”

  6. Linda H May 1, 2013 at 9:24 am #

    To “love mercy” speaks a powerful truth, one I do struggle with daily. Jesus has been speaking to me about my daughter-in-law of 14 years who had an affair and became pregnant. When I try to pray for her and find love and mercy in my heart, it doesn’t happen. This verse shows me there is hope I will get there, just not on my strength. I love your comment that reminds me I will fail, but God never does. He will be beside me no matter where I am on this journey. Thanks Liz once again for your amazing insight that makes God ‘s word so alive.

  7. Theresa May 1, 2013 at 10:40 am #

    I have a plaque with the subject verse on it hanging in my reading room. I have had some trials in my life that The Lord needed to remind me to trust in His justice. That very scripture is what He used to encourage me.
    Thanks for sharing God’s mercy and grace.
    May God’s continued blessing overflow your life,
    Theresa

  8. Christina Anderson May 1, 2013 at 10:42 am #

    I thought this week’s lesson was a really valuable one! You hit the mark! I think it is hardest for me to “walk humbly”. God gave me the gift of being able to play anything I hear on the piano or the pipe-organ. In the past I have given concerts at the Air Force Academy, Whatley Chapel on the Colorado Women’s College Campus, played at St. John’s Cathedral in Denver, and have given numerous concerts in churches in the mountains. I was head organist for the Baptists, the Lutherans, the Congregationalists, and subbed for the Catholics and Episcopalians in Buena Vista, Colorado. Since moving from the mountains I attend a big church where the leader of worship refuses to let me play at all in church because she says “You want to too much”. So my gift that God gave me is not being used. She has a beautiful voice and never hesitates to showcase herself. I have had to, and continue to have to do a lot of praying regarding this situation. It is so easy for me to be angry and hurt by her actions and to judge her. Instead, I need to ask God to bless her, her family, and her ministry. So you see, I am not of a truly “humble spirit”. It is a constant battle for me.

    • Liz Curtis Higgs May 8, 2013 at 8:52 am #

      I get the “constant battle,” problem, Christina. I’m SO there on several issues. Here’s the good news: God is fighting the battle for us. We need to stand behind his shield and let him engage with the enemy. And of course, the enemy isn’t that lovely singer; it’s Satan. Just said a prayer for you (and a little one for myself). THANKS, Lord!

  9. Marge May 1, 2013 at 11:25 am #

    As a human I really get a below average grade, as a human walking with Jesus (ephesians 4:6) I can obtain an a+ average, It may take me my whole life time to achieve this goal but achieve it I will because I can do all things thru Christ Jesus who strengthens me.

    There are days when the phone rings and I just think, I really do not want to talk to this person again, they are just using up my time, they don’t try to change their life style, etc. etc., then the Holy Spirit reminds me of the many people who listened to me and instructed me in the ways of the Lord yet didn’t see a change in my attitude or behavior for over a year. Some how they knew that I was going thru a heart change and soon enough my outward apperance and actions would revail that. I need that kind of love for others.

    Thank you Liz for reminding me what the Lord requires. My heart is full and my eyes are overflowing with tears as I once again remember where God has brought me from.

  10. Peggy S May 1, 2013 at 11:44 am #

    The hardest one for me is walking humbly with my God. I think the attitude of pride is always there waiting to slip in and take credit for things that really only God could have done in and through me. I love the idea of being like a child and trusting God to handle things. Walking humbly, with my hand in His, as He guides me, pulling me back when I want to run ahead, or pulling me forward when I want to dig my heals into the sand and stop. I am enjoying these Favorite Verses very much.

  11. Violet Bedford May 1, 2013 at 11:59 am #

    This is my first visit to your blog, but it won’t be my last. Thank you for a thought provoking post. Although my grades are pretty poor in all areas, I think the point that struck me was about God casting our iniquities into the sea. I am a champion sea-diver who loves to drag those things back out and slap myself with them.

  12. Cindy May 1, 2013 at 12:14 pm #

    Thanks Liz, beautiful teaching.
    Mercy,Justice, Humility…
    All of the attributes in the God I serve through His Son Jesus. In my own strength impossible, I can boast nothing in my flesh. The only good in me is the goodness of God pouring the Holy Spirit through this willing vessel…

  13. Julie Sunne May 1, 2013 at 12:42 pm #

    “My standard of “what is good” is all over the map. I compare one behavior to another, instead of comparing everything I do with God’s goodness. I end up with actions that are “pretty good” and “not so good” and “kinda good” and “good enough.”

    No, Liz. Good is what God says is good: himself.”

    Your words quoted above stuck with me, dear Liz. My “justly” acts are only as good as the extent I let God work through me, the extent I surrender me for Him. Only in Him can I truly be just and fair and a servant. Certainly not in my mortal nature.
    You inspire in the depth of your Bible studies.

  14. cherrie May 1, 2013 at 12:48 pm #

    Dear Liz:)
    GRACE is what i hear when you speak on this.
    thank you

  15. Janet May 1, 2013 at 12:57 pm #

    I love lists! Years ago, a friend and I discussed how we wished there was a checklist for salvation, something you could point to and say, “Ta-da! I’m saved!” But God in His wisdom did not give us one. We have all of Scripture to look at and study and the Holy Spirit to teach and convict us.

    I like how you pointed out that “good” is a slippery standard by our definitions, and that the ultimate good is God Himself.

    Showing mercy can sometimes be difficult. We walk downtown in a tourist area late in the evenings, and there are often panhandlers out. They ask for money–or “help”. We’ve given money sometimes only to see them go on to the next person and the next. We’ve heard every story you can imagine. My husband hates to turn them down, but he also hates to be taken. I’m not nearly as nice as he is–I say “No” every time, but try to make sure I give to organizations that I know truly help people.

    As for justice, , I realized earlier this week I’m not so good at that, either. I find my actions and judgments are based on pride–which takes care of the walk humbly part!

    Thankfully, God is with me and teaching me. I’m working at being teachable! And learning to confess where I fall short and let Him remove my failings.

    • Shauna May 1, 2013 at 2:53 pm #

      I so understand your position on this one. I have a relative that recently asked for money; he’s elderly, and until now has never asked. My husband and I gave him what he asked for and then some; later in the week, he called my mother and asked HER for more money, mentioning that we had “helped him out.” This is when I found out he’s had a lifetime of living off of other people. Most of his siblings are now deceased, so he’s reaching out further since his sources are drying up. It hurts. I’ve prayed about this and talked with other reliable confidants in case he calls again. There’s a fine line, I think, between being truly helpful and enabling negative behaviors. Lord help me make the right decision!

      • Liz Curtis Higgs May 8, 2013 at 8:55 am #

        Amen to that fine line, Shauna. Sooooooooo hard. May God show you the very best way to help this relative in need.

  16. Esnath ndlovu May 1, 2013 at 2:39 pm #

    Thanks Liz,this verse is totally new to me,mercy ,justice and humility in all i am not consistant ,on and off and i always examine myself at the end of the day and ask God to forgive.please remember me in your prayers am tired of letting my God down because of lack of consistance i move one step foward and two steps backward most of the time

  17. Shauna May 1, 2013 at 2:48 pm #

    I too need to commit this one to memory and act on it! I don’t think I’d even rate a C some days! So thankful for his grace that covers my sins. I sure can’t do this one on my own…

  18. Mary Kay May 1, 2013 at 3:12 pm #

    Sad truth is I can’t do any of them without God guiding each step! Coming out of abuse, I love the idea of God’s justice and do work to promote it for others. But as you say, Liz, I am so prone to limit my actions based on my flagging energy levels than on the Holy Spirit’s empowering.

    Thank you for this powerful post. And the needful reminder not to go deep-sea fishing!
    Blessings, Sis!

  19. Nikki May 1, 2013 at 3:59 pm #

    Love this verse, find it very hard to do! Loving mercy and doing justice sometimes seem at odds with one another – e.g. if someone keeps wronging you, it seems “just” that they be punished, but that doesn’t really demonstrate “mercy” – bit of a catch 22 for me a lot of the time – but I love what you said about looking at our deeds in comparison with GOD’S goodness, not other people’s. That helps. Thank you so much, Liz, for doing these 20 favourite verses. I’m loving them and they’re really helping me focus a bit deeper on things.

  20. Liz Kelly May 1, 2013 at 4:33 pm #

    Ouch! The past few days my husband and I have been dealing with his father being in the hospital unexpectantly. My husband is the primary caregiver with only a little help from me yet I struggle so much with his attitude and lack of helping himself. He is his own worst enemy which just makes things harder for us and I have to say that lately mercy has been hard for me. Aren’t I the same way with the Lord?! I am sure the Lord says the same thing about me being my own worst enemy. His mercies are never ending…new every morning…I need to be the same. I just got word that he is being sent home…I am praying the Lord will grant me grace overflowing to be filled with great mercy for him and all those around me. Thank you for the Words of truth and life! God is so good!

    • Liz Curtis Higgs May 8, 2013 at 9:00 am #

      Liz, I trust the last few days have gone according to God’s plan, and that his grace IS flowing through you. God sees everything you are dealing with and is WITH YOU, every minute.

  21. Birdie May 1, 2013 at 5:07 pm #

    I said a big “Whew” by the time you got to “with your God.” I am so happy that God is by my side, or as Stephen Curtis Chapman says “The God of angel armies is always by my side.” I think for me “acting justly” is difficult, just because I see so many things wrong with the world and don’t really know what I can do, so I don’t do much of all about them.

  22. Tacey Jones May 1, 2013 at 6:08 pm #

    To walk humbly with your God Pride seems to be my besetting sin. I frequently get de- ceived and am using the wrong standards to evaluate my performance. Boy, does that sound like legalism talk? How often I am focusing on the wrong thing. When I finally get it right and look at my heart then I am humbled beyond belief!
    God give me a humble heart and don’t let me get tripped by pride!

    • Liz Curtis Higgs May 8, 2013 at 9:02 am #

      I believe with all my heart that EVERY sin has pride at the root. So, we’re all there with you, sis. God is with us, too. Changing, shaping, molding, never giving up on us.

  23. Robyn May 1, 2013 at 8:27 pm #

    This is such a hard verse and lesson to learn (over and over and over again). I give myself a C- most days I think. Its a daily struggle especially the ‘show mercy’ one. But with His help and guidance I can and will do better. Thanks Liz for your insights on these verses.

    I work at a domestic violence shelter and I am greatly blessed to have a fellow believer for my boss. She has asked me to lead a Bible study group at work at lunch one day a week and I think I’m going to share this study with the group. We need daily prayer and intercession as we help these survivors find their way from the darkness into the light. We’ll be starting soon, so please pray for me and those we serve.

    • Liz Curtis Higgs May 8, 2013 at 9:03 am #

      Share away, Robyn! And God’s blessings on your efforts.

  24. J May 1, 2013 at 8:57 pm #

    Hit the nail on the head. I just finished turning my ugliness of the day over and over and over…and finally over to Him. That is about all I had to give Him today. I was tired, weary, impatient , short tempered, not wanting to give one more inch. It backfired. I think I offended my poor sweet neighbor. I think she wanted to talk, but I busied myself with some silly task instead. Her little one changed her mind and suddenly wanted some of the treat I had offered her that she had just said she did not want. And instead of showering her with grace, I was annoyed by the whining fickleness of yet one more small child under my feet today. Instead I reminded this tiny impressionable child she did just tell me she did not want the treat. Well, before I had the chance to recant, rethink, re-evaluate, offer her something else, her Mom called her into the house and gave her a treat of her own. Minutes later Mom stormed off to work. I think she was offended. The one time in two years I failed to respond with overflowing grace and generosity and allowed my selfish tired self to be annoyed by the fickleness of a child. Have I blown my testimony? I hope not. I am going to humble myself. Let this sweet Mom who needs Jesus know I am sorry, I was tired, I was grumpy. I will come with an offering and a smile, hopefully the warmth of Christ’s love will shine out this time. Hopefully next time I can show mercy to a child named Justice! Lord forgive me. Lord give me another chance.

    • Liz Curtis Higgs May 8, 2013 at 9:05 am #

      God uses it ALL, even when we blow it. THAT is what’s so amazing about his grace. Thanks for sharing your heart with us, sis.

  25. Bonnie Brown May 1, 2013 at 10:17 pm #

    Great reminder. Although I make every effort to act justly and love with mercy, my walk has not been with humility. I have realized recently at age 64 wisdom does not come with age naturally. To act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly, you have to get on your knees, pray, give thanks, and love God above all. I accomplish nothing without HIM! We have to take ourselves out of the equation. How else can you be humble unless you remember it’s not about ‘you’. Glory to God!

  26. terri May 2, 2013 at 8:03 am #

    Thank you so much for taking a verse and stripping it down. My grades are a C on a good day however it is so comforting to know He sees so much more. He has taught me humility and grace in the past 2 years. How very hard to let go and let Him. Justice He is still working on, oh how we love justice for others but when someone else is given Grace instead of what we consider justice it is a bitter pill. Now I must humbly accept that His ways are always better than mine and justice is in His hands. So this verse summed up so much, so beautifully. Thank you my beautiful sister.

  27. Kathy G May 2, 2013 at 9:50 am #

    This really spoke to my heart today, Liz. I am so thankful for a Father who communicates these truths to us. Oh, may He help me meet His requirements today! I long to do His will.

  28. Becky May 2, 2013 at 10:03 am #

    “… with your God.”

    I’m so very very blessed that He does the heavy lifting.

    Grace is falling over me.

    Thanks Liz.

  29. Julie Ramsey May 2, 2013 at 11:42 am #

    I think I fail in all aspects at times Liz. Like you I have days when I just get tired of being nice and caring and loving. I keep thinking what good is it doing. But I continue to cling to the Lord and pray especially on days when things are tougher.

  30. Brandi Luiz May 3, 2013 at 11:07 am #

    Liz,

    These last two have been for me. I so desperately needed to hear them and review them and delve into them and basque in them and cry over them. Praising Jesus for allowing me the ability to “hear” your words from Him. Thank you.

    Brandi

  31. Valerie May 3, 2013 at 10:22 pm #

    Liz, I just learned this verse last year. It has been made into a contemporary Christian song by Casting Crowns. I struggle with all of the instructions, but being humble is the hardest! I like to be the “star”, rather than giving God all the glory! Lord help me be more like Jesus!

  32. Dori May 5, 2013 at 2:41 pm #

    Being a former “bad girl” I am privileged to be among all of you knowledgeable women. I am most likely one of those people who has driven others crazy with my questions and needs over last few years. Getting back with Jesus was the easy part, sorting out my issues is another. Lizzy, you and your lovely ladies are so transparent, that I have had the ability to learn from you all.

    Act justly…. I have seen and heard what to do and where to watch for those pitfalls…you all are showing me how to do it….. I give you all an A for honesty.

    Love mercy… This is tough one for me…. you all have shown that to me through your words. I give you all an A for giving.

    Walk humbly….I have just gotten back into my walk…. I’m not even sure where I’m going, so I have been tagging alongside you all. I give you all an A for walking with me.

    I am one who keeps jumping back into the water to retrieve my garbage, but I’m realizing it took years to get where I was. Waterlogged I am, but through all I am learning….. dry land seems nice. I pray that during my trials, I can at least make a C. Thank you all for playing a part in my recovering journey.

    XOXO Dori

  33. Elizabeth May 5, 2013 at 4:29 pm #

    We had a good message this morning on the need for humility and so reading your blog (I am quite behind obviously just getting to my Wed. mail!) in church, EP.4 as text about the unity of faith. I was really soothed by your way of tying walk humbly WITH your God. There in is the ticket. It is something He does when we let Him tear us down and rebuild us. No fun, not easy, but as they say ” the retirement plan is out of this world!”. Blessings wished!

  34. Kathy May 6, 2013 at 4:47 pm #

    Oh my! How hard we try and how hard we fumble, thank you Jesus because you are always there! Act justly, try my hardest, love mercy, I do love to love on people, but walk humbly- I am so glad Jesus loves me and shows methe way. Lord, keep me humble. I will try harder this week and remember this verse daily.

  35. linda kendler May 8, 2013 at 6:28 pm #

    Hi Liz,

    I just read this bible study and found it hard to
    read through. The questions at the end gave me something to think
    about. I have a hard time acting justly when people around me are acting unjustly.
    How can you hug someone when you are mad at them. When I am mad at someone I do not want to talk or be around them. I guess that is my question. I heard the above on a reunion of Project Runway when someone said you can still hug someone when you are mad at them. need help with this one. Thanks Liz Linda Kendler

  36. Liv May 13, 2013 at 4:43 pm #

    Ever since reading this post last week, Micah 6:8 has been popping up alot!! It’s amazing how many of us demand justice and yet offer so little forgiveness. In all honesty, I love executing judgment to those who have hurt me and while I may not throw them into a physical jail cell, I often put them in emotional ones. I become hurt, offended and allow a rift to be opened so that the enemy comes in like a flood making the chasm wider and harder to cross.

    God, who is the Judge over the universe, has plenty of cause to proclaim us guilty, yet He is the One who offers the most grace! It is not a natural grace, which comes from our own strength and runs out as Liz has mentioned, but a supernatural one. We believe and trust that God is our Defender, our Shield, our Fortress and Strength.

    We can do act justly because Jesus was the supreme example of this while He was on earth; We can love mercy because we have been the recipient’s of God’s tender mercies every day. We can walk humbly before Him because we belong to Him and our spiritual eyes have been opened that before Christ, we have lived proudly independent and self-centered lives.

    Thank you for going deep into these verses Liz!! I love your amazing friendly style and your openness to us all! Peace and Grace! Liv 🙂 (hope you have another historical romance coming out soon!!)

  37. Rhonda May 15, 2013 at 3:50 pm #

    When I lost my dad this is the verse I used in my comments about him and his life. My dad was not famous and he was not rich in material goods, but he lived this verse. He always taught me no matter what others were doing or doing to me for me to do the right thing and make the right choice. What a lesson we can pass down to our children and our children’s children, to act justly, to love mercy and walk humbly with your God. I was taught to do just that. God help me to pass that down as well.

  38. Kathy June 13, 2013 at 8:19 am #

    Morning Liz , trying to catch up this week. I think walk humbly is hardest for me. I need to work harder on that.

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  1. Your 50 Favorite Proverbs: #46 Here Comes Trouble | Liz Curtis Higgs - February 12, 2014

    […] Hebrew word is tsana—“modest or humble”—also found in Micah 6:8, one of The 20 Verses You Love Most, which calls us to “walk humbly with your […]