Requires

As humans we tend to complicate our relationship with God. We come up with all sorts of ways to approach Him and make a long list of obligations meant to please Him. Fortunately for us, God is in the business of simplifying things and calls us into a relationship with Himself purely through faith—faith in His amazing gift of grace extended to us through the sacrifice of Jesus. Our faith that God’s grace is more than sufficient to cancel our debt and forgive our sins is all that is required to be made right with Him. Likewise, the Lord equally simplifies our life going forward. Two short phrases from Scripture clearly define the Lord’s will for us. They reveal the kind of heart the Lord desires and demonstrate the sort of actions He requires. God does not place a heavy burden of rules and regulations on our shoulders. He merely asks us to walk humbly with Him and act justly toward others. He reminds us to rejoice, pray, and give thanks at all times—even in the face of hardships—because He knows it will make our hearts lighter. Our God is merciful, loving, and kind. The things He requires are for His glory and our own good!

Micah 6:8, “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.”

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”