What Does The Lord Require?

"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."  Micah 6:8.  Micah is examining the manner in which we come before God.  The prophet asked about burnt offerings such as calves, rams, oil, or our firstborn.  The prophet declares that God wants us to have a character that is worthy of approaching God.  Unless the heart is right, the burnt offerings would not matter.  The three avenues of approach are as God Himself.  We are to do what is just.  There is right and wrong.  There is a way that is acceptable and also a way that is unacceptable.  We are to love mercy.  Mercy shows kindness and gentleness.  Mercy reaches out to others and helps in their need.  We are to walk humbly.  Humility loses sight of self and gives consideration unto others.  Humility depends upon others, especially God.  We must know that we are needy.  To do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly is to do such with God.  God cannot be left out of our lives.  After all, we only learn justice, mercy, and humility from God.  This is the character that comes before the Lord.  These are the sacrifices that are to be offered unto the Lord.  Do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God.