Micah 6:6-8
In our Sunday services, we are currently exploring a number of “practices” that give shape to what it means to be in right relationship with God, with one another and with our neighbours.
As we consider how we might more intentionally develop relationships of godly impact with our neighbour, we will look today at God’s clear call in Micah for us to practice justice and mercy. While both of these qualities call us to practical action to help the poor, powerless and marginalized in our world, they do so in different ways.
The word “mercy” challenges us to reflect God’s heart of love and kindness to individuals in need (e.g. feeding the hungry, providing shelter for the homeless). Justice calls us to address underlying causes of these needs. The Hebrew word translated “justice” comes from a root that means “to rule or govern” and thus challenges us to work toward bringing God’s good truth and dignity to all people through the institutions and processes that govern our societies. This recognizes that the fallen people will tend to create fallen structures that dehumanize, marginalize, and exploit others. Godly justice seeks to restore God’s good design as the vision of “justice” in society, where all people are treated according to their inherent dignity as created in God’s image.
Apply
- Why is it important that we ground our practice of justice and mercy in the character and purposes of God?
- What does it mean to you to practice godly justice and mercy in our world?
- Ask God to work in your heart and in the hearts of all who will be attending our services on-line or in person today.
Pray
- Pray that those who are new to the church will be welcomed and find meaningful relationships.
- Pray for our Children’s Ministry Pastor, Jerilyn Bayer
- Pray for the Children’s Ministry Associate, Annette Faszer, and for the Children’s Ministry Assistants: Abigail, Blythe, Clarissa, Domina, Sarah, Sunita, and Sylvie.