Walking with the Lord: Part Six by Michael Podhaczky

We have been looking at the topic of ‘Walking with the Lord.’ We saw that Micah, the prophet recorded three essential qualities, which the Lord requires of His own. That is,

“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” (Mic 6:8 NLT).

We have already looked at was the first one of these, ‘to do what is right,’ or justice.

The next quality that the Lord requires of His own is to love mercy. It is something that every person hopes that, if needed, would be extended to them in their own personal hour of need. The word that Micah used is chesed, which is pronounced (khe’-sed), and it carries the idea of showing goodness, kindness, and faithfulness to someone who does not deserve it. It is used about 250 times in the Old Testament and reveals the heart of God. It has to do with dealing with someone’s shame. Mercy is offered by someone of a high position, maybe a king or government official, towards a lesser and guilty person. It was not treating a person how they deserved to be treated for doing wrong, breaking the law or disobedience.

It is precisely the way our Heavenly Father has treated us by sending Jesus Christ to deal with our sin and not giving us what we deserve, 1 Pet 1:3. We need to show mercy just like our Father has shown us mercy, Matt 5:7; Lk 6:36. So, how merciful are we to those around us who need mercy? Do we love mercy so much that we freely give it where it is required, or are we stingy with it? What opportunities will come our way this very day to love mercy and give it freely and not treating them how they deserved to be treated?

Pause in His presence for a moment and think this over…