Heartbeat of a Kingdom Builder: Act Justly, Love Mercy, Walk Humbly

“What does the Lord require of us?” Such a deep question can have a deceptively simple answer, yet to live it out is a lifelong journey. In Micah 6:8, we find that answer: “to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” It sounds straightforward. But as writers, speakers, and leaders in a fast-paced world, constantly changing and demanding something new from us, it’s all too easy to lose sight of this core call.

In ministry and in our creative pursuits, it’s natural to get caught up in the outward measures of success: platforms, email lists, speaking engagements, the next event, or the next appointment. Before we know it, we’re caught in a swirl of “what’s next” rather than “what matters.”

The beauty of these two little questions happens when asked together. What matters, and what’s next? They produce the opportunity to imagine a dream bigger than ourselves and take the next step in making the vision happen. I see it in the writing and speaking communities I’m a part of.

It is something we build into the Abundance Books family as well. “What can we do together that we cannot do apart for the Kingdom of God?” is my favorite question to ask. 

I first heard this question from a mentor who heard it from her mentor. And because of the powerful impact this question had in my life I continue to utilize it. Whenever a group of Jesus-loving people gathers, inquiring of the Lord, a beautiful desire wells up, inspiring us to want the same life God is calling us to move forward in. 

God shows us in Micah 6:8 the core of being a Kingdom builder. Many have these words written on a plaque in their homes. They are displayed prominently in most churches: Act Justly, Love Mercy, and Walk Humbly. These words are powerful, short, hard-hitting sentences that pack a punch. I was both surprised and inspired. 

To Act Justly

When Micah spoke these words, the people of Israel were desperate for answers. They felt lost and tried to earn God’s favor through elaborate sacrifices, thinking God wanted and needed them. But God was after their hearts, not their rituals. “To act justly” is to honor God by doing what is right, even when it’s hard or goes unnoticed. It’s standing up for truth and kindness, choosing integrity over convenience.

Justice is more than being “right” in the legal or ethical sense; it’s seeing people as God sees them. It’s about honoring the image of God in others. As authors, speakers, and leaders, we are called to be champions of justice, advocates for truth, and guardians of dignity. When we act justly, we reflect God’s heart for the marginalized, the forgotten, and the hurting. 

To Love Mercy

The call to mercy goes beyond merely forgiving others—it’s a posture of grace and compassion. In this sense, mercy extends kindness to those who don’t deserve it. Mercy defies logic. From a worldly perspective, forgiving someone who has wronged us deeply makes little sense. But God calls us to this radical mercy because it sets us free. The chains of bitterness and resentment fall away when we choose to forgive.

Our Father knows forgiveness heals and restores, both for us and the person we forgive. He wants us to be held by nothing but His love, unburdened by grudges or past hurts. “It was for freedom that Christ has set us free” (Galatians 5:1). As Kingdom builders, we are to delight in mercy because our God delights in it.

To Walk Humbly with God

Humility can be misunderstood. Many see it as thinking less of ourselves, but biblical humility is something more. The Greek meaning of humility suggests an intentionality in following God. To walk humbly with God means to live in daily dependence on Him, not because we are insignificant but because He is infinitely significant.

Walking humbly doesn’t mean shrinking back or thinking that others are inherently better than us. Rather, it’s knowing our value and worth in Christ while choosing to serve others. Humble leaders intentionally place God’s mission and others above their own ambitions. The godly men and women I’ve encountered who model humility structure their lives around following Jesus, no matter the cost. They’re willing to set aside personal gain or recognition, seeking instead to lift others up and bring glory to God.

Living Out Micah 6:8 

As authors, speakers, leaders, and, more importantly, children of the Most High God, we’re called to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly, not just as a one-time act but as a lifestyle. We start by acting justly, not only in our everyday lives but using our voice for the voiceless. When we love mercy, it transcends all of our relationships—including one with ourselves. This sets us up for freedom, so we can walk humbly with our God by intentionally pursuing Him. When we pursue these things, we’re walking in alignment with God’s heart. We are empowered to build His Kingdom.

So, today, I challenge you to take a step back and ask: How am I living out this call? Are there places in my life where I need to act justly, love mercy, or walk humbly? 

May God’s Spirit guide you, give you strength, and fill you with the love needed to live this out boldly and faithfully.

Question:  Who have you observed acting justly, loving mercy, or walking humbly? How did that person’s example impact you?

The next class begins on February 13.  Need partial scholarship assistance? Email carol@carolkent.org.