Micah 6:8 is a powerful verses because it boils down God’s expectations for His people into three simple commands: “He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?”
This verse simplifies a concept that often feels overwhelming—the question of what God wants from us.
To understand how remarkable this is, we can compare it to the Old Testament law. In the Law of Moses, there were 613 specific commands covering everything from diet to worship to daily living. These laws were meant to set God’s people apart and show them how to live holy lives, but the sheer number of rules also revealed how impossible it is for any of us to live perfectly.
Now, contrast that with Micah 6:8. Here, God narrows it down to just three principles. It’s not that God no longer cares about holiness or righteousness, but these three commands capture the heart of what it means to live for Him.
Do Justly
“Do justly” is about how we live. It’s about honesty, fairness, and integrity in everything we do. It means making choices that honor God, whether we’re at work, at home, or anywhere we go. As Christians, we should be known for doing what’s right, even when it’s hard or unpopular. God values justice because He Himself is just, and we reflect His character when we live uprightly.
Love Mercy
“Love mercy” focuses on how we treat others. Mercy is about showing kindness and forgiveness, even when it isn’t deserved. The Bible says that God delights in mercy (Micah 7:18), and as His followers, we should too. Mercy means being patient with people, forgiving those who wrong us, and helping those in need. It’s not enough to simply show mercy; we’re called to love it—to delight in being gracious and compassionate to others.
Walk Humbly
“Walk humbly with thy God” is how we view God and ourselves. Humility isn’t about thinking less of ourselves; it’s about recognizing our proper place before God. He is the Creator, and we are His creation. Walking humbly means acknowledging that everything we have comes from Him, and we’re utterly dependent on His grace. It also means rejecting pride and self-reliance, choosing instead to trust and follow Him in every area of life.
Comparing to the New Testament
In the New Testament, Jesus simplifies the law even further into two commands: “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind” and “Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself” (Matthew 22:37-39). These two commandments capture the essence of Micah 6:8 and the whole law hangs on these two commands.
• To “do justly” and “love mercy” reflects loving our neighbor. Treating others fairly and with compassion fulfills the second great commandment.
• To “walk humbly with thy God” reflects loving God with all our heart, soul, and mind. When we walk humbly, we place Him first in our lives and worship Him as He deserves.
It’s amazing to see how God’s expectations for His people are consistent throughout Scripture. While the laws of the Old Testament and New Testament vary in number, they all point to the same truths: live righteously, treat others with kindness, and honor God with humility.
Micah 6:8 reminds us that walking with God isn’t about checking off a long list of rules. It’s about living with integrity, showing mercy, and staying humble before the Lord. These three principles are simple enough for a child to understand yet challenging enough for a lifetime of growth.
Ask yourself: Am I living justly in my choices? Do I show mercy to others, even when it’s inconvenient or undeserved? Am I walking humbly with God, or am I relying on myself?
God doesn’t ask for sinless perfection—He asks for our hearts.
