Are you merciful?

Scripture:

Matthew 12:7 'I desire mercy, and not sacrifice'.

Observation:

Jesus is giving one of the most important principles of the Christian life: to love thy neighbor as thyself. If you think about it, the Pharisees were all about sacrifice in their day to day lives. Jesus, on the other hand, was all about mercy. I have to ask myself, "What is the difference between sacrifice and mercy?" I looked up both words in the dictionary, these are a couple of the meanings:

mercy (noun)

1. - leniency and compassion shown toward offenders by a person or agency charged with administering justice
2. - a disposition to be kind and forgiving
3. - the feeling that motivates compassion

sacrifice (noun)

1. - the act of losing or surrendering something as a penalty for a mistake or fault or failure to perform
2. - personnel that are sacrificed (e.g., surrendered or lost in order to gain an objective)

Application:

I think I focus more on acts of sacrifice than on acts of mercy. I think if Jesus were to come into my room right now, he would rebuke me for spending so much time reading and journaling, and not more time living out the Christian life among those who are lost. I think Jesus would tell me, 'I desire mercy and not sacrifice'. I noticed that sacrifice, even though it is good and necessary, usually produces self gain, and mercy always benefits others. I made a list of some of the things the Pharisees did on a regular basis that were sacrificial, and I made a list of some of the things Jesus did on a regular basis that were merciful.

Acts of sacrifice by the Pharisees

Tithing
Fasting
Praying
Studying
Writing
Giving alms to the poor
Observing the Sabbath
Volunteering in the Synagogue

Acts of mercy performed by Jesus

Sharing the Gospel
Healing people
Feeding the homeless
Showing love to children
Forgiving people of their sins
Praying for people
Speaking to strangers
Gave his life(the ultimate act of sacrifice and mercy)

other scriptures:

Hosea 6:6 For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.

Micah 6:8 He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?

Questions:

1. Is my life about sacrifice or mercy?
2. Do I focus on my spiritual nourishment, or others?
3. Do I go out of my way to feed the poor?
4. Do I share the good news of Jesus with others?
5. When church is over, do I take the message to others?
6. Is my comfort more important than the Great Commission?
7. When I talk to someone who is lost, am I moved with compassion?
8. When I read this passage, do I just ignore the words of Jesus?