Paul Ditoro

 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? (Mic. 6:8). 

We understand Jesus was talking about the Law of Moses. But in those three words, justice, mercy and faithfulness, can we not also see the weighty matters that lie before those of us who are under the law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:2)?

Moving beyond the fundamental teachings of obeying the gospel, how does the Christian man deal with matters of justice, mercy and faithfulness? Justice - dealing with divine law, mercy - dealing with active compassion whether divine or human and faith - having to do with moral conviction and religious truth.

In the New Testament the words just and righteous come from the same Greek word, dikaios. It carries the meaning of being equitable (in character or act); by implication, innocent, holy. Considering the idea of being righteous, we find ourselves dealing with the vital necessity of having our very prayers heard by the Lord.  

 Therefore, to “do justly” requires that the servant of God be holy. The enemies of Christ will accuse the one who applies himself to doing righteousness as being “holier-than-thou” or of being “self-righteous.” Satan does not want your prayers to be answered; but the man of God, having risen above the lesser things of worldly criticism and oppositions of false brethren will diligently apply himself to doing what is right.

It therefore follows that a part of being just is to love mercy. One of the foundational statements of the faith laid down by the Lord was, “Blessed are the merciful for they shall obtain mercy” (Matthew 5:7). This principle is clearly pointed out in the parable of the wicked servant whose debt was more than he could ever pay. His lord forgave him that debt showing mercy and forgiveness; but when that servant refused to show mercy to one who owed him a very small sum, his lord heard of his wickedness and delivered him to the tormentors (Matthew 18:23-34). This was in response to Peter’s question, “Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven” (Matt 18:21-22). The Lord’s concluding thought in this parable was, “So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses” (Matt 18:35). Leaving lesser things would also include being unwilling to forgive, or to extend mercy.

The third consideration in this trio of great things is faithfulness. The “faithfulness” of Matthew 23:23 will certainly include the “walking humbly with thy God” of Micah 6:8. The folly of arrogance is seen in the efforts of those who have rejected the right way of God and who regard themselves as being above being merciful. But it is a wise thing in deed to give heed to that first statement of the Beatitudes which is the cornerstone of all Christian living, Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven (Mathew 5:3). The one who has divested himself of that haughty spirit of self and enthroned Jesus Christ in his life has placed himself in a position that enables him to be lifted up and exalted by God. It is difficult for some to be submissive; but the one who will not submit to God cannot be saved. 

The lesser thing being done with here is SELF. Those who refuse to submit to the teachings of the Lord will be resisted by God. But, O, the blessedness that is in store for the humble. God will exalt him in due time.