The first two words to note in Micah 6:8 NIV are ACT JUSTLY.
When we believe in something, we put it into action, so the key to these two words is actually the adverb JUSTLY.
By definition, JUSTLY means “according to what is morally right or fair; fairly. In a way that is well founded; justifiably.”
But whose vision of justice is being referred to here?
God’s.
His justice involves making things right.
Isaiah 1:17 expands on that thought by clarifying what His kind of justice looks like:
“Learn to do good;
seek justice, correct oppression;
bring justice to the fatherless;
& plead the widow’s cause.”
When we speak up for those who need to have someone come alongside them offering a helping hand, we are acting justly.
In Hebrew, ‘justly’ is written as ‘mishpat’ which refers to fulfilling His law.
In the ESV, these two words become ‘do justice’ which emphasizes the action involved, but my favorite breakdown comes from the Message translation:
“Do what is fair and just to your neighbor.”
The first part of what God requires of us is to actively take care of one another.
And the good news is He will not only give us the heart to do so, but the energy and strength as well.
Tomorrow, let’s take a closer look at the next two words – which are two of my favorite words ever!
#sharingHope #actjustly
KARLA LEES 