In chapters 4-6 of Hosea, a passage occurs that Jesus quotes at least twice in the New Testament:
For I desire mercy and not sacrifice,
And the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings. ~
This has a lot to say to us religious people about how we view ourselves and others. It discusses how religious ritual and self-righteousness can sneak into our lives, fooling us into thinking we are better than others, and spiritual in doing so.
[powerpress]http://www.wholereason.com/wp-content/uploads/powerpress/Mercy_Not_Sacrifice.mp3[/powerpress]
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