Wisdom for Lent and Life

“Act justly, love tenderly, and walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8) 

Micah’s command is a favorite of mine. It has different translations, but the message is the same.

To be just in all our undertakings is an obvious rule for a good life. To be fair and never take advantage of anyone seems obvious, no matter what religion or belief one holds.  Yet, many try to hide their dishonesty, lying, and misdeeds in order to appear righteous. Take, for example, the congressman who lied about his education, experience, background, and just about everything, yet thinks he is qualified to hold public office. 

To love tenderly is another sign of an upright, God-fearing person. To show love to others is what children are taught from their early years. They are encouraged to treat people with kindness and love, whether they are worthy or not. Hate should have no place in our world yet, it is found in all walks of life, in all belief systems. It is the cause of much violence and crime. We admire people who are willing to risk their lives to protect the vulnerable. That is the kind of love Jesus showed throughout his life, finally dying out of love for humankind.

To walk humbly with God is evidence of a righteous person. The humble one is not arrogant or proud. Humility is knowing that God gets the credit for our good deeds. We are weak and vulnerable without God’s assistance. We admire people like Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Jr., and Dorothy Day, who never took pride in their good works, but knew they could do nothing without God’s help.

Lent is a time to reflect on our lives and see how we are walking in the path of God’s ways. We are all called to be just, loving, and humble, with the help of our tender-hearted God. Lent is a call to shape up!