What Does God Want from Us

Have you asked yourself what God wants from us as His children?

Surely, we can answer this question in several ways, but what is the most important thing He wants from us? How can we be sure we live lives pleasing to God? 

The Bible says the greatest commandment and the most important thing is to love God with all our hearts and to love our neighbors as ourselves. This is true, of course. But what does it mean to love God, and how can we make sure, on a daily basis, that He is the center of our lives?

What Does God Want from Us

The prophet Micah gave a good answer to this question.

“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, NIV)

“He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you Except to be just, and to love [and to diligently practice] kindness (compassion), And to walk humbly with your God [setting aside any overblown sense of importance or self-righteousness]?” (Micah 6:8, AMP)

Let’s explore this statement together.

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Be Just and Act Justly

To be just means to be fair and morally right. According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, just means “acting or being in conformity with what is morally upright or good, being righteous.”

In order to be just and to act justly, we first need to be made right with God by accepting the righteousness of Christ. When we live every day in the reality of God’s forgiveness, being clothed with Christ’s righteousness, we are prepared to act justly.

The Holy Spirit gives us discernment and trains us to know what is good and what is bad, and to make godly choices for ourselves and in our interactions with others.

Are we acting justly in the way we think about ourselves, God, and others? Are our words just and in conformity with God’s truth? Do our actions reflect God’s character and heart?

Love and Practice Mercy and Compassion

Mercy and compassion are important to God because these qualities reflect His essence. The Bible reveals God as a merciful and compassionate God: “The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love” (Psalm 103:8, NIV).

One of the common refrains in the Psalms is that “His mercy endures forever.” What a comfort for us!

His mercy is the imprint of His steadfast, unconditional love for us. “The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22-23, NIV)

To love mercy and compassion means to love God. As recipients of His unceasing mercies, He expects us to show mercy and be tender, gentle, and compassionate with ourselves and others.

Do we diligently practice kindness and compassion? God’s grace makes it possible for us.

To love and practice mercy and compassion means to love God. #loveGod #relationships #Biblestudy Share on X

Walk Humbly with Our God

Walking humbly with our God describes the lifestyle God wants us to have while we live on this earth. There are three main things to consider here: the meaning of “walk”, “humbly,” and “with God”.

To walk means to live; it denotes our daily experiences of thinking, making decisions, working, interacting, and having fellowship with God and others. It also means navigating and dealing with all situations and challenges that life throws at us.

This little word “humbly” is of great importance. In the Amplified Bible translation of this verse, it is described as “setting aside any overblown sense of importance or self-righteousness.” To be humble means to know who we are and who God is, and to live in total dependence and surrender to God. The humble heart trusts God and doesn’t seek its own ways and will. It follows as the Lord leads.

“With God” makes all the difference. Living life with the awareness of God’s presence with and in us is what makes our lives pleasing to God and what truly blesses us. Walking with God means we are being empowered, loved, seen, taken care of, strengthened, and held in each moment of our lives. We are not alone, and we will never be alone. Our lives have meaning, purpose, and a future with God. Living in this reality makes us live boldly and unafraid.

Living life with the awareness of God’s presence with and in us is what makes our lives pleasing to God and what truly blesses us. #blessing #happiness #purpose Share on X

A Life Pleasing to God is a Life Worth Living

When we truly know our just and loving God, and live daily by His grace, then we are equipped to live a life pleasing to Him. This is not a life measured just by outward activities and actions but also by the attitude of our hearts. Having constant fellowship with the Lord makes it possible to reflect His character by acting justly, practicing mercy, and walking humbly with Him.

God Wants Us to Draw Near to Him

Do you want to draw near to God when you are tempted to pull away amidst painful and traumatic experiences? Do you long for the transformation of your painful story into a story of preparation, empowerment, fruitfulness, and growth?

My book “DRAW NEAR: How Painful Experiences Become the Birthplace of Blessings” takes you on a journey through 13 painful experiences, revealing the precious blessings in each.

More Encouragement for You

If you need more resources, encouragement, and comfort during painful experiences, I highly recommend these books. Check them out.

Uprooting Anger by Robert D. Jones

Trusting God in All the Things: 90 Devotions for Finding Peace in Your Every Day by Karen Ehman and Ruth Schwenk

Make Up Your Mind: Unlock Your Thoughts, Transform Your Life by Denise Dubois Pass and Michelle Nietert

Emotionally Healthy Spirituality by Peter Scazzero

Life Can Be Good Again by Lisa Appelo

It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way by Lisa Terkeurst

Hope When Life Unravels: Finding God When It Hurts by Adam Dooley

Restoration Year – a 365 Days Devotional by John Eldredge

All Things New by John Eldredge

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Your Turn

What, in your opinion, is the most important thing God wants from you? Share in the comments and on social media if you found this article helpful. Thank you!

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