God Desires Kindness Over Sacrifices.
We don’t have the practice of sacrifices in our modern society. However, we can still understand the premise. It is not our self sacrifice, our sense of duty, or obligation that makes us clean and right. It is not our ability to follow all the rules and teach the world around us all the rules so they too can climb the mountain of religious effort and skill. It is rest and trust in the truth of Jesus and the salvation work He did to cleanse us and draw us close to the Father that earns our place in the family of God. The Lord shifts the gaze off ourselves and others abilities by asking, “How can you show love? How can you know God more?”.
I want you to show love, not offer sacrifices. I want you to know me more than I want burnt offerings. Hosea 6:6
Jesus repeats this to pharisees (authorities known for their ability to follow rules) who are displease with Him eating with sinners and tax collectors. Then Jesus added, “Now go and learn the meaning of this Scripture: ‘I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.’ For I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.” Matthew 9:13 Again, Jesus quotes Hosea 6:6 to more pharisees on a sabbath (required do nothing day), “But you would not have condemned my innocent disciples if you knew the meaning of this Scripture: ‘I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.’” Matthew 12:7
We can understand the kingdom of God the truth of how we are to live and interact with those around us as Christians like this: It is important to love God with all my heart and all my understanding and all my strength, and to love my neighbor as myself. This is more important than to offer all of the burnt offerings and sacrifices required in the law. Mark 12:33
What Love and Knowing God More Looks Like
The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! Galatians 5:22
The Lord is righteous in everything he does; he is filled with kindness. Psalm 145:17
Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! Tie them around your neck as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart. Proverbs 3:3
I led Israel along with my ropes of kindness and love. I lifted the yoke from his neck, and I myself stooped to feed him. Hosea 11:4
For the Lord their God will visit his people in kindness and restore their prosperity again. Zephaniah 2:7
“This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies says: Judge fairly, and show mercy and kindness to one another. Zechariah 7:9
Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin? Romans 2:4
It is the same today, for a few of the people of Israel have remained faithful because of God’s grace—his undeserved kindness in choosing them. Romans 11:5
And since it is through God’s kindness, then it is not by their good works. For in that case, God’s grace would not be what it really is—free and undeserved. Romans 11:6
If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly. Romans 12:8
As God’s partners, we beg you not to accept this marvelous gift of God’s kindness and then ignore it. 2 Corinthians 6:1
We prove ourselves by our purity, our understanding, our patience, our kindness, by the Holy Spirit within us, and by our sincere love. 2 Corinthians 6:6
But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Galatians 5:22
He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. Ephesians 1:7
He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding. Ephesians 1:8
So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus. Ephesians 2:7
Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Colossians 3:12
When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, He saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. Titus 3:4
Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment, now that you have had a taste of the Lord’s kindness. 1 Peter 2:3
Prayer Starter:
Thank you God for your love and forgiveness in my life. Thank you that you have set me free and I am free to love you and others for your glory. Please forgive me for all the ways I have been too hard on myself and those around me. I’m sorry. Please help me to see myself and others the way you do and give me practical steps to walking out love. May I know you more dear God each day? In your name I pray Jesus, Amen.
Child Of Abba 