Hosea 6:6 
“For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, 
and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings.” (NIV)

“I want you to show love, 
not offer sacrifices. 
I want you to know me 
more than I want burnt offerings.” (NLT)

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People have some pretty funny ideas about God. When I say funny, I don’t mean humorous. Some of those ideas are pretty humorous, but we dare not laugh at the people who hold those particular worldviews, because we would like them to turn to the worldview that is actually true and endures the test of time. Let’s not mock them like they often mock us. 

People frequently misunderstand the heart of God. They completely miss what God really wants from us, and for us. God speaks through Hosea here with crystal clarity. These words echo across time. They’re repeated in the New Testament, and they are as true today as they were the day God spoke them through Hosea. 

Here’s what God wants for us:

First, he says, “I want you to show love.” This is not the simplistic bumper sticker kind of love that says “love is love.” This is the kind of love that digs deep, that flies high, that always protects, always serves. This is the kind of love that is patient and kind. This is the kind of love, obviously, that we hear about from 1 Corinthians 13, but don’t really take to heart as we ought to. We think these are just pretty words that you say at a wedding. These are not just pretty words. These are deep truths that reshape, reform, and renew lives. 

This is the kind of love that is true even when we don’t feel like it. This is the kind of love that goes the distance. This is the kind of love that aligns itself with truth and relentlessly does what is right, just, fair, kind, and compassionate. This is not a kind of love that you fall into or out of. This is a love that is chosen, embraced, held on to, and renewed day by day and moment by moment. 

Second, he says, “I want you to show love, not offer sacrifices.” Some people get way too comfortable saying, “I’m sorry.” A good “I’m sorry” is not a bad thing. It is entirely appropriate, but it can become a crutch. Worse than that, it can become manipulative. It becomes something we weaponize to assert or maintain control. In other words, it’s not loving. 

Third, God says, “I want you to know me.” Too many people want to know rituals, routines, and religion, but they don’t want to know God. He wants us to hunger and thirst for Him. Why? Because He fills our emptiness. He thrills our desires with his presence, power, and purpose. Never settle for knowing about God. Know God. 

What difference would it have made yesterday if you had truly known and experienced God in every moment, every decision, every activity? What if you determine right now to bring God into every moment of this day, every decision you will make, and every activity you participate in? 

God wants you to know love and show love. Be careful. This might just change the world. 

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I will know and show God’s love. 

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Our Father, forgive me for settling for religion when what You want is a deep and abiding relationship that overflows with Your grace and goodness. Fill me with Your Spirit. Empower me for all that’s ahead of me. Build your strong love into my heart and mind, my will and my ways. May your deep love become my default. May it shape everything I think, do, and say today and every day. Amen.