“For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings.” Hosea 6:6 (NIV).
“I want you to show love, not offer sacrifices. I want you to know me more than I want burnt offerings.” Hosea 6:6 (NLT).
“I’m after love that lasts, not more religion. I want you to know God, not go to more prayer meetings.” Hosea 6:6 (MSG).
For my blog this month, the Lord impressed upon me to write about Hosea 6:6. This verse first came alive for me in early 2016. I had focused on it as my guiding verse for that year, and it has continued to pop up over and over in my life since then.
I’ve recently been reading the book of Matthew. Jesus refers to this verse twice in Matthew’s Gospel.
“But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” Matthew 9:13 (NIV).
“If you had known what these words mean, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice,’ you would not have condemned the innocent.” Matthew 12:7 (NIV).
In Matthew 9, Jesus speaks these words to the Pharisees who condemn Him for spending time with Matthew and other tax collectors and sinners. In Matthew 12, Jesus says these words to the Pharisees when they are condemning his disciples for picking off-grain to eat while they walk along the road on the Sabbath day.
In both cases, Jesus is trying to show the Pharisees that strict adherence to the details of the religious laws they have created is NOT what God requires of us. God requires us to show love and mercy to those around us, those we encounter in life.
I, unfortunately, saw this play out one Sunday at our church before Covid hit. There was a baby dedication or another event happening that resulted in groups of visitors attending. A group of about eight friends, likely in their early 30s, arrived a bit late; worship had already started. They were very apologetic while trying to enter the row I was seated in, but they were being blocked at the end by two “mature women.” These individuals were telling them, in very unkind terms, that worship had already started, and they weren’t going to move to let them in.
The women said they were worshipping, and they were not going to let these newcomers interrupt their worship. I was astonished! I could barely believe what I was witnessing. How could these “ladies” even truly worship God while denying the newcomers the opportunity to join in? I remember how it felt the first time I came to church. It’s scary going into a place you’ve never been before, and it’s also super embarrassing to arrive late. Instead of being shown kindness and acceptance, these folks experienced anger and disdain. I don’t think I focused on the entire service, just thinking about how these “ladies” had probably driven these newcomers to make their first visit to our church their last one. I was also upset that the newcomers had encountered an attitude that was in complete opposition to what I have always believed my church is about. I took some time following the service to apologize to the newcomers, explaining that this behaviour was out of character for our church family.
The Bible says we all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23), including me, these women and even these newcomers. All of us need God’s grace and mercy every day to Him and one another better. We want newcomers to feel His grace and mercy through us when they visit our churches. I will never forget my then 10-year-old son’s words as we left the service after attending our church for the first time back in 2010. He gazed around at all the people in the foyer, some in ripped jeans, some with tattoos, some with fancy church clothes, some in wheelchairs, some young, some old, and stated, “I guess everyone is welcome here.”
As the lifting of some Covid conventions, including extra seating space and unmasking, are upon us, I believe it’s a good time to revisit this verse and Jesus’ words. Jesus calls us to show love and mercy to each other, not condemn or judge one another for perceived errors in our behaviour.
Father God, help us to love and serve one another. Thank you for creating us so uniquely, which is indeed such a beautiful thing but also requires that we rely heavily on You to help us accept and love one another. In this season, where there is so much division, help us be compassionate and caring to everyone: even those who don’t share our opinions. Help us remember we are all Your children, one family, chosen by You to know You and share Your message and Your love to all.
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