October Memory Verse (2021)
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

Consider these age-old questions: What is most important to God, and what does He expect from us? For me, one of the most straightforward explanations came from a Zondervan Bible study called Trace the themes. It asserted that God reveals His will through His Word to impact (1) our relation-ship with Him and (2) our relationships with one another. That thematic division was a “Eureka!” moment for me as I began studying Scripture through this lens. I invite you to follow my thoughts.

  • As our Creator, God made us to live in perfect relationship with Him. He set boundaries, which Adam and Eve violated. Their disobedience severed this relationship. Still, He loved us and sought restoration.
  • God provides His standards for living in the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20). The first four address our relationship with Him; the remaining six address our relationships with one another.
  • Many years later, God broadly summarized these same commands in Micah 6:8—clarifying that He will judge our authenticity by whether we reach out to others with compassion and generosity.
  • When Jesus came, He identified the greatest commandments (Matthew 22:37-39), once again, echoing the importance of relationships.
  • God ultimately provided the way to restore our connection with Him by sacrificing His unblemished Lamb. It is up to each of us to respond to His mercy and grace.

Over time, I grew in the understanding that our relationships are paramount in God’s eyes. Knowing this, I was able to seek more answers and move forward. This is what I discovered.

  • To heal my relationship with God, I need to ask myself these questions often: Have I allowed other priorities to become idols? Do I show God appropriate reverence in word and deed? Do I humbly seek His guidance in my daily life? Do I communicate with Him constantly in good times and bad? Do I study His Word both privately and with others to gain new insight and wisdom?
  • To develop and maintain God-pleasing relationships with others, I must evaluate my thoughts, motives, attitudes, and behaviors. Can others see that I am a Christian? Do I associate with Christian friends who are positive influences? Are there toxic relationships I need to sever? Do I deal with others fairly and honestly? Am I quick to show compassion, forgiveness, and generosity? Do I share my faith in a winsome way when given the opportunity?

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, increase our understanding of Your intent for our lives. Help us to walk more closely with You and to love others as You love us.

by Kathy Bell