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Walking in Mercy: Living Out Micah 6:8

This lesson was inspired by Rev. Herlong’s Sunday message from Micah 6:8, specifically focusing on mercy.

“He has shown you, O man, what is good;
And what does the Lord require of you
But to do justly,
To love mercy,
And to walk humbly with your God?” — Micah 6:8 (NKJV)

Micah 6:8 is one of those verses that cuts through all the noise and gets right to the heart of something important God desires from us. It’s not a list of religious checkboxes—it’s a call to live a life that reflects His character. And today, we will zero in on that second part: to love mercy.

What Does It Mean to Love Mercy?

It’s one thing to show mercy when it’s required, but to love mercy? That’s different. That means mercy isn’t just something we give reluctantly—it’s something we cherish, value, and actively pursue. It’s a mindset shift from “I guess I have to forgive” to “I get to extend grace because I have received it.”

Mercy means not giving someone the punishment they might deserve. It’s when we choose to release anger instead of holding a grudge, to respond with kindness instead of payback, to see others through the lens of grace instead of judgment.

God’s Mercy Toward Us

Before we can love mercy, we need to recognize how deeply we’ve received it. God’s mercy is woven all throughout Scripture. Over and over, He withholds the judgment we deserve, offering us grace instead.

“The Lord is gracious and full of compassion, slow to anger and great in mercy.” (Psalm 145:8)
“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.” (Lamentations 3:22)

Think about your own life—how many times has God shown you mercy? How many times has He given you another chance when you didn’t deserve it? That’s the kind of mercy we’re called to love and extend to others.

Living It Out Daily

So how do we love mercy in everyday life?

Forgive quickly. Holding onto bitterness only weighs you down. When we love mercy, we let go of offenses instead of keeping score.
Give people the benefit of the doubt. Maybe that rude cashier is struggling with something heavy. Maybe your coworker’s attitude comes from a place of deep hurt. Mercy chooses to see others with compassion.
Be generous with grace. Mercy isn’t just about forgiving sins—it’s also about extending kindness, patience, and understanding even when it’s undeserved.
Remember your own need for mercy. It’s easier to show mercy when we remember how much we’ve received from God.

The Challenge

Micah 6:8 isn’t just a nice verse—it’s a way of life. Loving mercy means actively looking for ways to reflect God’s heart in how we treat others. It’s not always easy, but when we choose mercy, we reflect the character of God.

Reflection Questions

Can you think of a time when God showed you mercy? How did that impact you?
Why do you think God calls us to love mercy instead of just practice it occasionally?
How does remembering God’s mercy toward us help us extend it to others?
How would our communities, workplaces, and families change if we truly loved mercy?

Who Is In Your Disciple ‘Tree’?

Peyton and I spoke after church on Sunday and he thought this would be a good topic. It’s based on the sermon Sunday and is consistent with our ongoing efforts to be intentional about our faith.

As Bill Burch mentioned in his sermon Sunday, Bill Belichick, one of the most successful NFL coaches, has a coaching “tree” full of leaders who’ve gone on to make their mark in football. This tree is comprised of many assistant coaches who’ve gone on to be head coaches in other programs.

Whether they’ve succeeded or stumbled, they carry his influence—his way of thinking, his strategies, his values. It’s a reminder that none of us live in isolation. We’re all influenced by someone, and in turn, we influence others.

The same is true in our walk of faith. As disciples of Jesus, we’re part of His “tree.” His teachings, His love, and His example shape who we are. And as we grow, God calls us to do the same for others—to teach, encourage, and influence people in our lives.

So, whose tree are you a part of? Who has poured into your life and helped you grow in faith? Maybe it’s a parent who prayed for you every day, a friend who encouraged you when life felt heavy, or a pastor whose words have stuck with you. And here’s the flip side: who is part of your tree? Who are you pouring into? Who are you encouraging, mentoring, and pointing toward Jesus?

We often think of discipleship as something formal—Bible studies or teaching sessions—but discipleship often happens in the small moments of life. It happens when you take the time to pray for someone, listen without judgment, or simply live in a way that reflects Christ.

Paul captures this so well in 1 Corinthians 11:1: “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” Discipleship isn’t about perfection; it’s about pointing others to Jesus as you walk with Him yourself. It’s saying, “I’m following Him, and I want you to come along.”

This week, take some time to reflect on your tree—both the branches that shaped you and the branches you’re growing. As we do so, we can all work toward being part of a discipleship legacy that points to Jesus and helps others walk in His love.

Questions:

1. Who first introduced you to faith or helped you understand what it means to follow Jesus? How has their influence shaped your journey?

2. What qualities or actions stand out to you in someone who has discipled you? How can you reflect those qualities to others?

3. Who are you currently pouring into or walking alongside in faith? How can you intentionally invest in that person’s growth?

4. What barriers (time, fear, self-doubt) might be keeping you from discipling someone else? How can you trust God to overcome them?

Gratitude in the Snow

The past few days of bitter cold, icy roads, and restricted movement have been a stark reminder of how quickly life’s conveniences can slip away. Simple things—like safe travel, meeting with friends, or running errands—suddenly feel out of reach. But these moments of disruption can also serve as gentle nudges, inviting us to turn our hearts and minds toward God.

That brings us to today’s verses:

Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. – Psalm 46:10

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. – 1 Thessalonians 5:18

When our normal routines are interrupted, we’re given a chance to pause and reflect on the many blessings we often take for granted. The warmth of a safe home, the comfort of loved ones, and even the stillness of a day slowed down by the weather—each is a gift from God, a reminder of His provision and faithfulness.

These quiet, unexpected moments can draw us closer to Him. When life feels uncertain or inconvenient, we’re reminded that our true security and hope don’t rest in the things of this world but in God’s unchanging goodness. The icy roads may keep us from moving, but they can also give us space to stop, pray, and refocus on the One who provides for us in all seasons.

So, as we experience occasional inconveniences, consider taking time to lift your heart in gratitude for God’s blessings—both big and small. Think about ways to lean into His presence, trusting that even in life’s disruptions He is working for our good and drawing us nearer to Him.

Questions:

When we get ice and snow, why is it difficult to focus on gratitude and blessings instead of thoughts of fear and inconvenience?
What blessings in your life have you taken for granted recently?
How can you use moments of inconvenience or stillness to grow closer to God?
In what ways have you experienced God’s provision during difficult times?
What steps can you take today to express gratitude for both the small and big blessings in your life?

2025: A Year of Prayer

As we step into 2025, many of us are looking for ways to deepen our relationship with God and grow in our faith. We touched on this in last week’s group where someone mentioned the idea of needing some pointers on how to pray more effectively. So today, we’re going to discuss contemplative prayer.

It would be great if we resolved, as a group, to make 2025 a year of prayer. Think about the positive benefits of committing to growing in our understanding of what prayer is, practicing it regularly, and experiencing the peace, guidance, and closeness with God that comes from it.

Prayer is one of the greatest gifts we’ve been given. Yet, for many (most?) of us, prayer can feel intimidating. What should we say? How should we start? What if we don’t hear anything back? If that’s where you’re at, you’re not alone.

Contemplative Prayer: The Power of Listening

When we think of prayer, it’s easy to picture folding our hands, bowing our heads, and listing off our needs. While there’s absolutely a place for bringing our requests to God (Philippians 4:6-7), prayer is also about listening. This is where contemplative prayer comes in.

Contemplative prayer isn’t about saying the “right” words. In fact, it’s not about words at all. It’s about sitting quietly in God’s presence, inviting Him to speak to our hearts, and resting in His love. It’s a reminder that prayer isn’t a one-way street—it’s a conversation. Sometimes we need to pause and let God get a word in.

Simple Ways to Get Started

If prayer feels unfamiliar or overwhelming, start small. Here are some practical steps to help you make 2025 your year of prayer:

Set a Time and Place: Consistency helps build habits, even if it’s just for 5-10 minutes.
Start with Gratitude: Gratitude shifts our focus from what we lack to what we’ve been given.
Use Scripture: If you’re not sure what to pray, let the Bible guide you. For example, read Psalm 23 and pray through the verses, asking God to shepherd you this year.
Practice Listening: Spend a few minutes in silence. Ask God to speak, and then wait.
Write it down: Keep a notebook nearby to document words and ideas God puts on your heart during this time. Over time, go back and review your notes to see if you can recognize any patterns or themes that emerge.

As James 4:8 says, “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” Let’s hold onto that promise as we grow together in prayer this year.

Here are some questions to consider as we step into this year of prayer:

How would you describe your current prayer life? What’s one thing you’d like to grow in?
Have you ever tried contemplative prayer or listening to God? What was that experience like?
What would it look like for you to make prayer a daily habit this year? What would be some of the positive benefits?
What do you think of the idea of making 2025 a year of prayer for our group? What are some things we could do to make that a reality?

Thankful for Even the Valleys?

Life is full of peaks and valleys. The high points are easy to celebrate—those moments of joy, success, or peace. But what about the low points during those seasons when we feel lost, overwhelmed, or broken? It’s often in these moments that our true character is revealed, and more importantly, our relationship with God is tested and refined.

It might seem counterintuitive, but have you ever considered being thankful for your low points? It’s not an easy mindset to embrace, but scripture encourages us to do just that. James 1:2-4 (NIV) says,

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

Our low points are not the end of the story. They are the beginning of growth. When we hit bottom, we’re faced with a choice: where do we turn? Do we reach for distractions to numb the pain—substances, entertainment, or busyness, for example. Or do we turn to God, allowing Him to use these moments to shape us into the men He’s calling us to be?

It’s okay to feel weak or broken during hardship. God isn’t put off by our emotions; He invites us to bring them to Him. Psalm 34:18 reminds us,

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

As we celebrate Thanksgiving, it’s a good time to challenge ourselves to find gratitude not only for the blessings in plain sight but also for the hidden blessings in our struggles. Those low moments are often where we learn the most about ourselves and about God’s faithfulness. They teach us perseverance, humility, and dependence on Him.

This Thanksgiving, take some time to reflect on how God has been with us in the valleys, shaping us for His purpose. The next time life takes a downward turn, instead of asking, “Why me?”, consider asking “What is God teaching me?

Questions:

Do you agree that it’s just as important to be thankful for our valleys as we are for our peaks? Why or why not?
In the lowest points in life, it is very normal to focus on the pain and difficulties instead of how God may be helping us grow but why is that true?
Have you ever experienced growth or clarity during a difficult time? Please share your experience if you are comfortable.
What steps can you take to turn to God more consistently during tough times?

Keys to a Meaningful Small Group

In any group, especially one built on faith and fellowship, certain qualities set the foundation for meaningful connection and growth. These principles help us build a group where everyone feels supported while keeping Christ at the center.

Below are my personal top-six qualities of an excellent group. Except for #1, which in my opinion is a must-have, these are not necessarily in order of importance. But just like debates around the CFP playoff rankings, I’m anticipating diverse opinions (which is great).

Before we get into those key elements, our scripture for today is from Hebrews 10:24–25:

“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”

This passage emphasizes the importance of coming together in community, encouraging growth in love and good works, and remaining consistent in meeting and supporting one another.

Here’s my personal list:

1. Christ-Centered and Scripturally Based

At the core of everything we do is Jesus, and our conversations and actions should always point back to Him. Grounding our discussions in Scripture keeps us rooted in truth and aligned with God’s will.

2. A Safe Place to Be Real

Life is full of challenges, and a group should be a place where people feel comfortable sharing without fear of judgment. Authenticity builds trust, and trust opens the door to genuine connection.

3. Encouraging Growth, Not Perfection

No one has it all together, and that’s okay. A great group focuses on helping each other grow closer to God, not achieving some unrealistic ideal. Growth is about taking small, meaningful steps forward in faith.

4. A Balance of Listening and Sharing

Healthy groups create room for every voice to be heard. Some members may need to open up more, while others may need to step back and listen. A balance ensures everyone feels included and valued.

5. Relatable

Faith isn’t meant to stay in a Sunday morning ‘box’—it’s for our everyday lives. A good group keeps things practical and accessible, connecting faith to real-world challenges and experiences.

6. Welcoming and Inclusive

Whether someone is new to faith or a long-time believer, they should feel like they belong. A welcoming group goes beyond polite hellos to truly embraces each member’s unique story and journey.

Honorable Mentions:

Consistent and Dependable
Prayerful
Accountable
Service-Oriented
Joyful and Fun
Relationship-Focused

Questions

Which one or more items above resonate most with you as critically important and non-negotiable?
Do the items above match your personal list? If not, what adjustments would you suggest?
What do you like most about the group, and why do you keep coming back?
Do you agree that being ‘Christ-Centered and Scripturally Based’ is a non-negotiable? Or could we get the same value out of having a non-Christian ‘support group’?
To me, being ‘relatable’ is like adding a secret ingredient that makes a recipe stand out above others. Most Christian groups understand the basic ‘ingredients,’ but emphasizing relatability takes the quality of the group to the next level. Agree or disagree?

Freedom from Competition

A few weeks ago, we talked about the topic of envy. And today’s topic of competition is in many ways a continuation of that theme. In our daily lives, it can be tempting to fall into the cycle of competition, comparing our progress, achievements, or blessings to those of others.

This tendency to measure ourselves against others isn’t new, and it’s something the Bible addresses head-on.

Galatians 5:26 warns, “Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.” It’s a straightforward reminder that we are not called to outdo one another in a race for status or recognition, but instead to walk together in love and humility.

Proverbs 3:3-4 gives us another powerful insight, saying, “Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.”

These verses call us to seek character over comparison, focusing on qualities like love and faithfulness rather than striving to outshine others. God values our character far more than our achievements, and He is pleased when we build others up rather than tear them down.

In a world that so often encourages competition, self-promotion, and the endless pursuit of “more,” we can feel pressured to keep up. Social media, work environments, and even our own minds may push us toward constant comparison, measuring our worth by what others have or achieve. Yet, this isn’t the life we’re called to. Jesus invites us to a path of humility, kindness, and contentment, reminding us that we are valued by God exactly as we are.

How would our lives look if we focused less on outperforming others and more on walking faithfully in our own calling? When we let go of comparison, we open ourselves up to genuine relationships and personal growth. Instead of feeling envious of others’ achievements, we can celebrate them. Instead of seeking praise, we can find joy in quiet faithfulness. And instead of being weighed down by competition, we can experience the peace that comes from living in alignment with God’s values.

The next time you feel tempted to compete or compare, consider shifting your focus. Ask yourself, “Am I pursuing this out of love and faithfulness, or out of a desire to prove myself?” Our personal journey is unique, and in God’s eyes, scripture is clear that it’s our hearts—not our achievements—that matter most.

Questions:

Our world is described in today’s lesson as encouraging “competition, self-promotion, and the endless pursuit of more.” Do you agree with that statement, and if so, do you think this issue is more common in affluent communities like Buckhead?
Have you personally experienced or observed the negative effects of excessive competition? If so, what were some of the harmful side effects?
What are some areas in your life where you feel the temptation to compete or compare yourself to others?
Have you experienced the peace of letting go of comparison? If so, what did that look like for you?
Do you believe we are unfairly characterizing competition in today’s lesson? Is it always a bad thing?

Election Overload Relief Plan

Election season can feel like a whirlwind. Every ad and headline shouts about stakes higher than ever, and it’s easy to feel like the future rests entirely on the outcome of this election. While staying informed matters, it’s also essential to ask: Where are we placing our trust?

For followers of Jesus, true peace doesn’t come from political outcomes but from the one who is our unshakable foundation.

Isaiah 26:3 reminds us, “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” Imagine if we let this truth guide us, turning our focus from the temporary to the eternal. Most of us know we can’t control election results, but we can decide what we allow into our hearts and minds.

In Philippians 4:8, Paul says, “Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”

I’m just as susceptible as anyone to getting distracted, but more than ever I’m looking for ways to anchor my mind in what is eternally good. Rather than letting the world’s anxiety rule my thoughts, I can fill my heart with truth, and with gratitude for God’s presence, even in the craziest of times.

The relationships we invest in and the purpose that drives us are what define our lives, not one election or news cycle.

In Matthew 6:33, Jesus tells us, “Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Instead of focusing on fear, we can focus on God’s promises.

And in Psalm 46:10, we’re invited, “Be still, and know that I am God.” Even when the world feels shaky, God holds all things together.

God calls us to live in the world, but not be overcome by it. So, this election season, look upward, encouraging those you love to focus on what lasts and on the One who holds it all.

Questions for Reflection:

Do you agree that election season is a particularly easy time to get distracted from what really matters? Why or why not?
What’s one habit you could adopt this week to limit distractions and invite peace?
Which Bible verse could you meditate on when you feel uncertain? (either those above or others that are important to you)
Why is it so critical that we turn to scripture when the craziness is at its worst?
How can you invest in relationships that build your faith this season?

The Worst Sinner of All Time?

We took the last several months off from the blog to go through the book Man in the Mirror together but we’re back to it now with a powerful verse from 1 Timothy.

Today’s lesson starts with a question for the group: who was the worst sinner of all time? Some might think of notorious figures from history, but when Paul wrote 1 Timothy, he claimed the title for himself. In 1 Timothy 1:15, Paul says, “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.”

This statement comes from a man who went on to become one of the greatest leaders of the early church. So, why would Paul make such a bold claim? He’s referring to his past, a time when he persecuted Christians with zeal. Before his conversion, Paul (then known as Saul) was feared for hunting down believers, and he was present at the stoning of Stephen, the first Christian martyr (Acts 7:58). Given this background, it’s not surprising that some Christians were skeptical of Paul, even after his transformation. To many, he wasn’t just another sinner—he was the worst kind: the former enemy of Christ.

Paul’s words in 1 Timothy were also a smart and effective writing tool. He wasn’t just acknowledging his sinful past to be transparent, but he was also disarming his critics. By openly calling himself the “worst” of sinners, Paul showed deep humility. He understood that his story wasn’t about glorifying his sins, but about highlighting the boundless grace of God. If God could forgive Paul, He could forgive anyone.

Paul’s story serves as a reminder that no one is too far gone. God’s grace isn’t reserved for those who “have it all together” but is for everyone, no matter their past. Paul’s life of transformation proves that God can use anyone for good—even someone who once fought against the church.

So what does this mean for us?
If we ever feel unworthy of God’s love because of mistakes we’ve made, Paul’s story is a message of hope. We don’t need to be perfect to come to God—He meets us where we are. And once we accept His grace, we can move forward with new purpose, just like Paul did.

Reflection Questions:

What does Paul’s story teach us about how God sees sinners?
Have you ever struggled with feeling unworthy of God’s love? How can Paul’s life experience encourage us in those moments?
Two part question: a) how judgmental and critical do you tend to be of others and b) does God’s grace toward Paul inspire you to be less judgmental and more gracious toward others?
In what ways can we show the same grace to others that Paul received from God?
How can we incorporate humility like Paul did and use our own stories of forgiveness to help others see God’s grace at work?

The Secret of Job Contentment

This week’s chapter of The Man in the Mirror is titled “The Secret of Job Contentment.” This week the author invites us to explore the topic of contentment in our professional lives. This chapter addresses the keys to job satisfaction but also the deeper, spiritual alignment of our work with God’s purposes.

The distinction between wants and needs is a fundamental aspect of Christianity and a key theme in this chapter. Often, our career ambitions drive us — whether to gain significance, authority, wealth, prestige, or respect. While these pursuits are not inherently sinful, they can distract us from what God wants for us. He wants us to find dignity and purpose in our work.

The author also suggests that a major secret to job contentment lies in redefining what we truly need vs. what we want.

Our circumstances do not determine our contentment; rather, our faith and trust in God do. This requires us to redefine our boss, recognizing that ultimately, we are serving the Lord. While we have earthly employers or clients, the ultimate authority and ownership rest with God. He has the final interest in all things, and by serving our earthly bosses as representatives of God’s authority, we can align our work with His kingdom.

To embrace contentment in our jobs, we must also learn not to try to control the future with our own plans but to trust in God’s plan for us—one day at a time. As Matthew 6:34 reminds us, “Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

Through this chapter, we learn that job contentment is not about achieving all our desires but about aligning our needs with God’s purpose, trusting in His plan, and serving Him faithfully in every aspect of our work.

In seeking job contentment, it might help us to think of our work not just as a means to an end but as a significant part of God’s plan for our lives (which it is). When we redefine our ambitions and view our daily tasks through the lens of serving God, every action gains a deeper meaning and purpose. This shift encourages us not only to pursue excellence in our roles but also to find joy in even the mundane tasks, knowing they contribute to a greater mission.

Questions:

1. Do you agree or disagree with the following statement? — Like the other chapters in TMITM book, this chapter sounds very logical and, in many ways, obvious. But, also like other chapters, some of the ideas seem a little impractical or even daunting?

2. One of the ideas in today’s lesson is that we should avoid trying to control the future with our plans? Does that mean we are supposed to avoid making plans?

3. In what ways can we see our role at work as serving God, not just our earthly employer?

4. Do you believe that trusting in God’s plan, one day at a time, can help alleviate pressures related to our career ambitions? If so, how?

5. Based on today’s lesson, what would you say is the key to job contentment?