“For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings” (Hosea 6:6).
When Hosea wrote these words, the nation of Israel was on the brink of disaster. They were outwardly religious but inwardly corrupt. Their rituals were flawless, their sacrifices plentiful, but their hearts were far from God. The Assyrian empire loomed on the horizon, and doom was knocking at their door. Yet, instead of repenting and returning to God, Israel relied on empty religion and foreign alliances to save them.
Through Hosea, God pleaded with His people, warning them that their religious sacrifices and rituals weren’t what He desired. It wasn’t that God didn’t want their sacrifices or obedience to His law—He commanded those things—but they had lost sight of Him. They had made “what” they were doing more important than “who” they were doing it for.
God wanted their hearts. He wanted them to know Him, to understand His ways, and to let that knowledge transform their actions. Their worship was hollow because it lacked two key elements: mercy and knowledge. They went through the motions of religion, but they weren’t showing mercy to others, and they didn’t truly know the God they claimed to serve.
A Warning for Us Today
Before we judge Israel too harshly, we need to look in the mirror. Many Christians today are guilty of the same thing. We fill our schedules with church services, ministry work, and spiritual duties. We sacrifice our time, talents, and treasures. But how often do we stop to ask ourselves, why are we doing these things?
Too often, we’re busy serving without mercy. We don’t consider how we treat others or what they’re going through. We hold grudges instead of forgiving. We’re impatient, unkind, and indifferent to the needs of those around us. All the while, we think our sacrifices are enough to please God.
And what about knowledge? How well do we truly know the heart of God? If we understood Him better, we would be merciful, because God is merciful. He is compassionate, slow to anger, and full of love. When we lack mercy, it’s a clear sign that we don’t really understand Him as we should.
Getting Back to What Matters
God’s message in Hosea is just as relevant today as it was then. He doesn’t want us to simply check off boxes or go through the motions of religion. He wants our hearts to be transformed. He desires mercy and knowledge, not just sacrifice.
If we want to please God, we need to do more than show up to church or give an offering. We need to seek Him, understand His heart, and let that knowledge change how we treat others. Our lives should be marked by mercy, forgiveness, and kindness—because that’s what reflects the character of God.
Let’s take time to ask ourselves why we’re doing what we’re doing for God. Let’s make sure we’re not just sacrificing, but that we’re also extending mercy.
