The book of Hosea, chapter 6, verse 6, clearly shows us what God desires from His people. The focus was not on the number of sacrifices they offered, but on the kindness and love they showed toward others.
What the Lord sought was mercy rather than sacrifice. The sin they walked in prevented them from understanding what God truly wanted from them, for sin blinds and leads people to do what does not please the Lord. And He expresses it clearly: “I want love, kindness from you—not empty sacrifices in the midst of your sin.”
The Lord spoke plainly about His desire and what He expected the people to do. That is why He rebukes them and reveals these truths through the book of Hosea:
For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.
Hosea 6:6
Doesn’t the same thing happen today? Don’t we also see that the church of Christ lacks these things? Have you noticed how many focus more on sacrifices and rituals than on the kindness and love that the Lord truly seeks?
In today’s world, many people believe their sacrifices—though empty of obedience, love, and mercy—are pleasing to the Lord. But that is not the case. It’s quite the opposite.
Remember what God seeks from His people. And if you discover that you are doing the opposite, then change and do what God desires of you: to be kind, merciful, and to show love to others, rather than offering empty sacrifices and burnt offerings.
