Listen:
Scripture for Lectio Divina:
He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. (Micah 6:8)
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. (Matthew 5:7)
Reflect:
As the year begins there is much talk of resolutions, new beginnings, and chosen words that stir up hope and create a vision for the future. Who do you want to be?
How do you want to be?
The year past has been a blend of satisfied dreams, dreams in process and those dashed on the rocks of disappointment. Yet, for the Christian whose goal is to grow in holiness there is, alongside every outcome and, in the midst of all the in-between spaces, a Divine hand that faithfully and lovingly shapes who we are becoming. The pressure is precise, purposed to root out behaviors that deplete and disintegrate us – AND aimed at shaping His image in us.
There are few places in Scripture that are as specific about God’s will for us as this verse from Micah 6:8. What does He require of us here, there and everywhere? To act justly or in other words, to do what is right. To love mercy! What? It’s one thing to let someone “off the hook” for an offense but, quite a different thing to LOVE mercy – to wait and watch and be ready to forgive – to love forgiving!
Mercy begets mercy and the gift of being forgiven wants to make us merciful people, thankful forgivers! Isn’t that who and how we want to be?
Lastly, it is required that we walk humbly before our God. This is waking up grateful because God has given us breath. It is praying before each meal, each shower, each experience of goodness because God has provided. It is a disposition of mind and heart that lives in remembrance of the cross.
Reflect:
“On the cross, Jesus, you demonstrated your love for mercy and your deep love for us. Empower us to be lovers of mercy — thankful forgivers. Amen.”
Submitted by Judy Villanueva
Judy lives with her husband in Colorado, near the kids and grands. She completed her masters at Fuller Theological Seminary. She is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Spiritual Director, and writer. Her blog can be found at listeningforlove.net
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