The Daily Devotional
Tuesday, December 16, 2025
Joyful Resistance: Standing for What Is Right
“He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” — Micah 6:8
Introduction
On December 16, 1773, a quiet protest in Boston Harbor turned into a defining moment in the struggle for American liberty. The Boston Tea Party—342 chests of tea dumped into the water in response to unjust taxation—became a symbol of conscience-driven resistance. As we walk through the Third Week of Advent, the week of Joy, this verse from Micah reminds us that true joy is found not in comfort, but in righteous living that honors God.
Reflection
Micah’s call to justice, kindness, and humility stands at the heart of faithful living. It is not loud, nor is it dramatic—it is steady, courageous obedience. The Boston Tea Party was not an act of reckless rebellion but a costly stance against injustice. Those who participated risked livelihood, reputation, and peace to defend what conscience demanded.
We see echoes of this in everyday life. Consider a factory worker who quietly reports unsafe conditions to protect coworkers, or a student who stands up for a classmate who is being bullied. Such actions rarely make headlines, but they reflect the same timeless courage: the willingness to lose something in order to do what is right. Advent invites us to this kind of joy—a deep, steady joy that grows from walking humbly with God, even when the path is hard.
Application
Where is God calling you to act justly today? Perhaps it is in speaking a gentle truth, supporting someone overlooked, or making an ethical choice that might cost you convenience or comfort. Let your Advent joy come not from avoiding tension, but from knowing you have honored Christ with integrity and love.
Conclusion
The Boston Tea Party reminds us that conscience-led courage can change history. Micah reminds us that God delights in hearts committed to justice, kindness, and humility. And Advent reminds us that Christ—the Just One—brings a joy that shines brightest in places where we choose what is right, no matter the cost.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, as I walk through this Third Week of Advent, fill my heart with the quiet joy that comes from seeking justice, loving kindness, and walking humbly with You. Give me courage to resist what is unjust, wisdom to discern when to speak and when to act, and compassion to reflect Your heart in all I do. Strengthen me to live with integrity, even when it is costly, trusting that true freedom is found in faithful obedience. Amen.
Devotional by: Kenny Sallee, ThM — Deming, NM, USA
The Bible texts are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible (NRSV)© 1989, 1993, the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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