What does God require from us according to Scripture?

Living a life of faith and understanding what God requires from us according to Scripture is a profound and transformative journey. At the core of Christian living lies a relationship with God that is built on faith, love, obedience, and a deep commitment to His teachings. The Bible provides a comprehensive guide to understanding these requirements, and it is through its study that we can discern God’s expectations for our lives.

The prophet Micah succinctly captures the essence of what God requires from us in 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." This verse encapsulates three fundamental principles: justice, mercy, and humility. These principles are not just moral imperatives but are deeply rooted in the character of God Himself.

Firstly, acting justly involves living in a way that reflects God's righteousness and fairness. This means treating others with equity, standing against oppression, and advocating for those who are marginalized. The Bible is replete with calls for justice. In Isaiah 1:17, we are urged to "learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow." Justice, in the biblical sense, is not merely about legal correctness but about embodying the heart of God in our dealings with others.

Secondly, loving mercy is about showing compassion and kindness. Mercy is a central theme in Jesus’ teachings and life. In the Beatitudes, Jesus says, "Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy" (Matthew 5:7). Mercy involves forgiving others, being patient, and extending grace even when it is undeserved. The parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) is a powerful illustration of mercy in action, where the Samaritan goes out of his way to help a wounded stranger, embodying the love and compassion that God calls us to show.

Walking humbly with God is the third requirement and it speaks to our relationship with Him. Humility involves recognizing our dependence on God and submitting to His will. It is about acknowledging that we are not the masters of our own lives but are called to follow God’s guidance. James 4:10 advises, "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up." Humility is the foundation of a life that is pleasing to God because it places Him at the center, rather than our own desires and ambitions.

Beyond these three principles, Scripture outlines several other key requirements that deepen our understanding of what it means to live a life of faith. One of the foremost requirements is to love God wholeheartedly. Jesus, when asked about the greatest commandment, responded, "‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment" (Matthew 22:37-38). Loving God with our entire being means prioritizing our relationship with Him above all else, seeking to know Him more through prayer, worship, and the study of His Word.

The second greatest commandment, according to Jesus, is to "Love your neighbor as yourself" (Matthew 22:39). This commandment is a natural extension of our love for God. When we truly love God, His love flows through us to others. This love is not merely a feeling but is demonstrated through our actions, as we seek the well-being of others and treat them with the same care and respect that we desire for ourselves.

Obedience to God’s commandments is another crucial aspect of what He requires from us. Jesus said, "If you love me, keep my commands" (John 14:15). Obedience is an expression of our love and trust in God. It involves living according to His teachings and allowing His Word to shape our decisions and actions. The Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17) provide a foundational ethical framework, but Jesus also expands on these principles in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7), calling us to a higher standard of righteousness that goes beyond mere outward compliance to include the attitudes of our hearts.

Faith itself is a central requirement, as it is through faith that we enter into a relationship with God. Hebrews 11:6 states, "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." Faith involves trusting in God’s promises, even when circumstances are challenging, and believing in His goodness and sovereignty.

Another essential requirement is to bear the fruit of the Spirit. In Galatians 5:22-23, Paul lists the fruit of the Spirit as "love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." These qualities are evidence of the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives and reflect the character of Christ. As we grow in our faith, these attributes should become increasingly evident in our interactions with others.

Service is also a significant aspect of what God requires from us. Jesus modeled a life of service, famously washing His disciples' feet and teaching them to do the same (John 13:1-17). Serving others is a way to demonstrate God’s love and to live out our faith in practical ways. It involves using our gifts and resources to meet the needs of others and to advance God’s kingdom.

Finally, God requires us to pursue holiness. In 1 Peter 1:15-16, we are called to "be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’" Holiness involves being set apart for God, living in a way that is distinct from the world, and striving to reflect God’s purity and righteousness in every aspect of our lives.

In summary, what God requires from us according to Scripture is multifaceted, encompassing justice, mercy, humility, love, obedience, faith, the fruit of the Spirit, service, and holiness. These requirements are not burdensome rules but are invitations to live a life that is aligned with God’s character and purposes. They are ways for us to experience the fullness of life that Jesus promised and to be a light to the world, reflecting the love and grace of our Creator. As we seek to fulfill these requirements, we are drawn into a deeper relationship with God and are empowered to live out our faith in meaningful and transformative ways.