Mercy Over Ritual

" I desire mercy and not sacrifice " - Matthew 9:13

Hello Reader,

Have you ever felt a twinge of guilt for forgetting a cherished religious ritual?

Perhaps you’ve been hard on yourself for missing church or skipping your prayers.

Remember, it’s natural to have moments of forgetfulness. Instead of dwelling on these lapses, embrace them as opportunities for growth.

Each day is a chance to reconnect with your faith and nurture your spiritual journey.

We do need to let go of self-judgment and allow ourselves the grace to start anew.

In today's verse, Jesus reminds us that even though our religious traditions guide us and bring us closer to God, we should not lose sight of what is most important- God's love and mercy.

A Little History...

This specific part of a verse is from the Gospel of Matthew, where Jesus is confronted by the Pharisees for socializing and eating with tax collectors and some others they considered sinners.

Jesus was challenging the religious leaders who were focused on rituals, rules, and appearances but ignored the heart of God’s law: love, justice, and mercy.

In an attempt to reply to these church leaders, Jesus quotes Hosea 6:6 from the Old Testament and emphasizes a core truth about God’s heart: God cares more about inward compassion and love than outward religious rituals.

How to Apply It To Your Life...

Choose Compassion Over Judgment

When someone falls short, offends, or fails you—respond with mercy, not condemnation. Offer grace, not gossip. Show patience, not punishment.

🔹 How to apply it: Before reacting, ask: “How would I want to be treated in their situation?”

Make Love Your First Priority

Don’t substitute religious activity for genuine love and service. Ask: “Is my faith making me more kind, generous, and forgiving?”

🔹 How to apply it: Going to church or reading your Bible is important—but make sure it’s fueling a heart that loves others.

Reach Out to the Overlooked

Jesus was eating with outcasts when He said this. He reminds us to show mercy to those on the margins—not just those who are easy to love.

Let your faith be known by your mercy, not just your morality.

🔹 How to apply it: Notice the lonely person in the room. Welcome the outsider. Offer help without expecting anything in return.

Let's Pray Together...

Dear Lord Jesus,

Help me show true mercy to others. When I see someone who is lonely, stir my heart to welcome them. When I encounter someone in need, give me the compassion and courage to help. Remind me that acts of love and kindness matter more than rituals or rule-keeping.

Let my faith be more than a checklist—let it be a lifestyle of love. I don’t want to just go through the motions or only live for You on Sundays. I want to walk in Your truth every day and reflect the heart of God in how I treat others.

Empower me to live out Your message—not just in words, but in action.

In Your name I pray, Amen.

Let's Sum It All Up...

The religious traditions we grow up with are very important, but they lose their purpose if we do not apply them to our lives.

If all we do is read Scripture and never bring it to life, we won't see the full effect of God's purpose for us- To show mercy, to help others, and to love one another.

My purpose for this weekly letter is to share an inspiring and motivational verse of scripture that you can apply to your life and share with others.

I’m keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. I ask that you please pray for me as well. Together, let’s go out into the world and demonstrate kindness and mercy to everyone we encounter.

Have a blessed week out there!

Quentin