Mercy, Not Sacrifice

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Mercy, Not Sacrifice:

Jesus said to the Pharisees, "I say to you, something greater than the temple is here. If you knew what this meant, 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice,' you would not have condemned these innocent men." (Matthew 12:6-7)

We are quick to condemn the behavior of others before we know their motivations or even all the facts and reasons as to what was done. It is true, there are those acts which are so heinous we must cry out and take action to prevent harm to others, but we must also take care to remember, we are not the eternal judge.

His commandments for us are simple, that what we do, we should do in love of Him and one another. Jesus taught us that all the law and the prophecy depend upon this which He asks of us (Matthew 22:36-40). We, therefore, should not seek to change others by our judgment or condemnation, rather we should encourage them through the example by which we live. Instead of pronouncing judgment, we should offer the blessings of a better way and be prepared to offer reason for our hope.

The choice of our actions, He has left to us, but if we study His Word, we should hopefully see the choice is clear. Some, however, choose to remain blind to what is right and just. We can only pray that He will guide us in how we may help those within the darkness and the blind of heart to see the blessings we receive through our Lord and Savior.

Blessed are those who offer mercy, for what they give, they shall also receive from Him.