Micah 6:8 - What Jehovah Requires

{Micah 6:8} He has shown you, O man, what is good. What does Jehovah require of you, but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?

THAT these are very reasonable requirements will be conceded by all. That God could not require less from those whom He is educating for the future judging of the world, is evident: and yet, all three of these qualities specified through the prophet, are comprehended in the one word Love. Love requires that we shall deal justly with our neighbors, with the brethren, with our families, with ourselves; that we shall seek to cultivate our appreciation of the rights of others, -- their physical rights, their moral and intellectual rights, their liberties; and that, appreciating these, we shall in no sense of the word seek to abridge or deny them. Z.'02-172 R3020:

Contrary to what many may think, God does not require sacrifice from the descendants of Adam. What He requires is loyalty and obedience, but not sacrifice. Whatever is sacrificial is so much more than the Divine Law requires. Thus in the case of Jesus, the Divine Law could not require Him to do more than to obey it – to love God with all His heart, mind, soul and strength, and to love His neighbor as Himself. But could not all this have been done by Jesus without the laying down of His life at all! Surely! Hence the Scriptures represent that when Jesus presented Himself at Jordan, He consecrated all that He had to do the Father's will, even unto death – not merely to keep the Law. He delighted to do the Father's will, even beyond what the Father demanded in the Law. (Hebrews 10:5-7.) And so must it be with all who would be acceptable footstep followers of Jesus and attain with Him glory, honor and immortality on the Heavenly plane. -- Adapted from "What Doth Jehovah Require", Watch Tower, February 15, 1914,

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In the preceding verses, Micah asks several questions related to one's relationship with Jehovah and sin. Is Jehovah satisfied with simply bringing offerings and sacrifices to him to cover our sins? Here Micah tells us that outward sacrifice is not enough. The qualities required spring from the heart, not in any outward sacrifice, ceremony, ritual, etc. What he presents is the basis of the entire law covenant with the children of Israel. Paul and James sum it up as referring to genuine, unselfish, love. (Galatians 5:14; James 2:8) To do justly refers to doing what is right in God's eyes. However, each consecrated child of God should examine himself regarding justice, and not be passing judgment upon others. And thus, justice should be balanced with mercy, for we know that we all fall short of the glory of God in our sinful flesh. (Romans 3:23) And we should be humble before both God and man, not haughty and full of pride.  -- Ronald R. Day, Sr.