Love In Action

My First paragraph with bold text.

Day 11  Love In Action 

Micah 6:6-8, The Living Bible Paraphrased  How can we make up to you for what we've done? you ask. "Shall we bow before the Lord with offerings of yearling calves?" Oh, no! For if you offered him thousands of rams and ten thousand of rivers of olive oil-would that please him? Would he be satisfied? If you sacrificed your oldest child, would that make Him glad? Then would he forgive your sins? Of course not!   No, he has told you what he wants, and this is all it is: to be fair and just and merciful, and to walk humbly with your God. 

One of the things I struggle with during the Advent season is falling into the trap of trying to do all the "right" things: church services, traditions, gifts, schedules. Like the Israelites in Micah’s time, we may ask, “What do you want from me, Lord? More effort? Better behavior? Bigger sacrifices.” 

But God’s answer is stunningly simple and deeply challenging: Do justice. Love mercy. Walk humbly.  One of the books we’ve studied in The Journey’s small group class has been Habits of the Household by Justin Whitmel Earley. He reminds us that the daily patterns we establish in our homes shape the souls of our families.  

Mercy begins at home. Advent is the perfect time to slow down and reflect on how we model God’s mercy to our children and to those around us. When your child spills juice on the carpet (again), mercy might look like a deep breath and a soft response.   Earley emphasizes the power of saying “I’m sorry” and “I forgive you” as daily rituals. These are not just habits—they’re gospel in motion. Advent reminds us that Christ came to forgive; when we forgive others, we prepare room for Him in our hearts and homes. When I lose my temper and speak harshly, it’s important to me that I apologize to my kids and my wife and promise to do better in the future (and mean it). 

Advent love isn't abstract. It is felt in bedtime stories and shared meals. In Micah’s call to “do justice,” we’re invited to live out love through everyday faithfulness. Show love in action by including your kids in generosity—make cookies for a neighbor, donate toys together, write cards to someone lonely. 

These habits become liturgies of love. 

To walk humbly is to admit we don’t always get it right as parents or as spouses or as coworkers. But we point to the One who does. Advent isn't about perfection. It’s about longing, waiting, and trusting that Emmanuel—God with us— meets us where we are and offers grace. 

Reflect: Where did we see mercy today? Who did we give mercy to? 

Prayer: Lord, in this Advent season, help us not to perform, but to walk humbly with You. Guide and direct us. Forgive us where we fail you. In your name we pray. Amen. 

  Steve Hancock  Finance Committee