Mercy, and not Sacrifice

Hosea 6:6

For I desire steadfast love [mercy] and not sacrifice,
the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.

Matthew 9: 13

"Go and learn what this means, ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”

Matthew 12: 7

"And if you had known what this means, ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice,’ you would not have condemned the guiltless."

Merriam-Webster clarifies exactly what Mercy and Sacrifice can be considered as:

Mercy

1: a : compassion or forbearance shown especially to an offender or to one subject to one's power; also : lenient or compassionate treatment 

2: a : a blessing that is an act of divine favor or compassion b : a fortunate circumstance
3: compassionate treatment of those in distress 

Sacrifice

1: an act of offering to a deity something precious; especially: the killing of a victim on an altar
2: something offered in sacrifice
3: a : destruction or surrender of something for the sake of something else b : something given up or lost
4: loss

Some thoughts: 

My heart has leaped at the idea of God desiring mercy and not sacrifice from me. God interacts with me this way, and he wants me to interact with others this way, too. The vertical and horizontal, if you will. 

Vertical

God sees me as excellent in Christ. I haven't earned that title; I can't earn that title. God isn't picky about my interactions with him. In fact, multiple interactions with him (as myself) is what will make me act like Him. I am an offender to God, I am subject to His power, and I am in distress, and He has shown me compassion. 

Horizontal

My wife is excellent (really, she is). I don't require burnt offerings for myself. I don't require perfection in every interaction, but grace. I don't condemn her because she is guiltless, like me, in Christ alone. The list is endless. 

Praise God that in my interactions with Him I don't have to grovel after every offense. I go to Christ, who requires mercy, not sacrifice. I hope you find this encouraging, dear reader! Mercy is found in God through Christ.