“O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you—justice, mercy, and humility” (Mic. 6:8). “Love each other as I have loved you, and continue to love you” (Jn.13:34) “The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself in love” (Gal.5:6).
Lord Jesus, we begin 2025 more “in Christ” than we are in any mess, troubling circumstance, heartache, or relational challenge. But what does this look like? How are we to live and love to your glory when it’d be easier for us to withdraw and medicate for our comfort? You haven’t left us in doubt. Thank you.
“Do what is just and right” – Having fulfilled the law for us, you are now revealing your beauty through us. A life of justice is to love others as you love us—with truth and grace. It means we are always asking a simple and sacrificial question: What does the Gospel look like in this situation—what is the next Gospel thing to do? Show us, Lord.
“Love mercy” – Jesus, how can we not love your mercy? It’s the extending of it that gets challenging. As you are merciful with us, so we are to be merciful towards others. When “severe mercy” is called for, may we offer it with tears not temper. Forgive us for indulging a condemning, critical, “Javert-like” (Les Misérables) spirit towards anyone. Free us, like Jean Valjean, to be both kind and uncompromising in the face of injustice—advocating for poor, marginalized, and oppressed.
“Walk humbly with your God” – Humility should come easy for us, for we have a lot to be humble about, Jesus. But to walk in humility with you requires investment of time + a lack of hurry + feasting on the Gospel + adoring love + convictable hearts + Gospel-friends + a love for repentance. May these 7 be as daily for us in 2025 as your mercies are daily. So Very Amen.
