This book was really well written, and kept to the point each part and each chapter was talking about. It helps to give you a clearer idea of what it means to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God. It also brings up a lot of soul searching, asking questions that many of us tend to ignore because it means we actually have to be aware of the impact we have with those around us. I definitely recommend this book for everyone to read.

Unfortunately, this one just didn't click with me. The message itself was spot on, but it got lost in the reading, reminding me a little bit of an enthusiastic preacher on a Sunday morning that goes longer than his audience's attention. I will not be reviewing on my personal blog or Goodreads and am thankful to the publisher for the complimentary title and chance to leave my comments.

If someone asks me my favorite Bible verse, Micah 6:8 is a very close contender for favorite. This verse, while very simple and to the point, is also very complex. You can spend a great deal of time exploring what it means to "act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God." Rusty George does that just that in his newest book Justice. Mercy. Humility. A Simple Path to Following Jesus.

Rusty George uses Micah 6:8 as a springboard for several important theological concepts in this book. He explains the Trinity and who the God with whom we are to walk humbly is while also providing a great birds-eye view of the Bible. After laying this foundation, George goes on to thoroughly explain what justice, mercy, and humility are and how these qualities should be lived out in the life of a Christian. He does a superb job of connecting the exposition of this text, theology, and practical application. Numerous illustrations demonstrate the concepts. A variety of scripture passages from the Old and New Testament as well as the original Greek and Hebrew words are used to really dive into the text. While writing for a general audience, George definitely did the academic groundwork for the book. While the content and examples given are appropriate for believers who have been following Christ for a long-time, the book would be a great resource of new believers.

Each chapter has a section of suggested things to do which help readers apply the concepts as well as a list of discussion questions. Having both items allows this book to be used in numerous settings. Justice. Mercy. Humility. would be an excellent resource for a small group study or Sunday School class. Groups could choose to read each chapter individually , practice the concepts, and then come back to discuss or could read and discuss the chapter together and put the concepts in practice together as a group. This book could also form the basis of an all church study with sermons related to the topics. Beyond these group settings, this resources is great for personal reading and study as well.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received the book Love. Justice. Humility from Bethany House via NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

I like Rusty George’s writing style. I like his humor; his person illustrations; and the way he is able to incorporate these with his Biblical scholarship in communicating Biblical truth to us. He uses all of this as he explains the concepts of “justice, mercy and humility” as it relates to Micah 6:8. I thought he did a good job of explaining each one of these as they relate to our Christian lives today.

This is not a deep, verse by verse study, but more of a devotional look at this particular verse. When I first began reading this book, I was hopeful it was going to be more of an overview of the whole book of Micah. In that respect, it lacks some depth. However, the author does carry out his purpose of staying focused on the three aspects of the verse. This book would be a good book study for a small group as there’s some good questions at the end of each chapter for discussion. All, in all, I liked this book and was encouraged by it.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Rusty George breaks down Micah 6:8 and examines, first of all, our ‘relationship with God’ and how we let the fine print of our chosen denomination tether us to a narrow construct of what it means to be a Christian. At the end of the chapter (and each subsequent chapter), he has a to-do list and discussion questions. I love the format because it allows me to act on what I’ve read and provides discussion starters for those who read the book in community.

According to George, Micah wrote during a time period in Israel that parallels our current time period in history. The Israelites suffered from the effects of radical societal changes and anxiety. “God’s people were losing their identity, forgetting their story, and were threatened with losing it entirely…”

God’s answer, revealed through Micah? Return to the basics. Not the basics of calling out sin, preaching damnation and hell, and adhering to strict rules and regulations. But the basics of making sure each individual—as well as the corporate body—acted justly. The basics of learning to love mercy—both individual and as a church. And most importantly, learning to call out pride in self that gets in the way of actually walking with God.

George points out that justice consists of more than foreign mission trips and feeding the homeless once a year. “If the only way we define justice is by our preference, then our definition of justice is limited to our personality, and thus will only benefit us.”

Readers might find themselves startled at times by what George has to say. For example, “Do we feel our identity is based on the ability to say YES to every request, or are we humble enough to let God be the only one omnipresent?” I know I’ve fallen prey to the need for omnipresence more than once. It wears me out. Now I know it’s false humility, too.

Although a wonderful book to read alone, I encourage you to sit down and read Justice. Mercy. Humility. with a group of friends. It acts as a conversation starter and a catalyst for iron to sharpen iron as we struggle to understand what following Jesus means in the 21st Century.

It is difficult to describe this book. I thought it was going to be a study on Micah 6:8. George does begin his book with that verse as the foundation. After that, however, it seems as if he kind of goes into free thought on the three topics. He tells many long stories from his own life, using them as illustrations. He quotes from many other authors, often at length.

George begins his book by saying many Christians feel they need to strive to get God's attention or feel that if they don't do enough God will not bless them. He assures us that everything God has told us to do can be summed up in Micah 6:8. I do find it ironic that at the end of each chapter, George includes a “To-Do List” of actions we should do. Just when I thought George was encouraging me to be free of to-do lists with respect to God, he provides me with several.

This book would best be read in a group. There are questions for discussion at the end of each chapter. The readers who would appreciate this book the most are those who like to be instructed through many stories rather than direct teaching. George's writing style is not one I like. I found myself often skimming through some of the lengthy stories, ready to get to the point. Others may like the rambling nature of George's writing style.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

2 stars
I was so looking forward to this book. It was such a disappointment. Th premise is good and the concept is good. However, the theology is fuzzy.
The other people he quotes and some of his statements are just kind of squishy. I so love a solid Christian book and this one just didn't suffice for me.
Unfortunately I cannot recommend this book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for a honest review.

A surprising and refreshing read. The author's writing style and candor make this book feel like a conversation with a friend. I enjoy the way that he breaks down Micah and I believe the Church body will learn a lot from this book.