S – Now when he heard this, he said, “It is not those who are well who need a doctor, but those who are sick. ¹³ Go and learn what this means: I desire mercy and not sacrifice.^, For I didn’t come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

Matthew 9:12–13 CSB

O – Commentary: I want mercy and not sacrifice Jesus is quoting Hos 6:6, which critiques Israel for focusing on the letter of the law while ignoring its spirit. God desires His people’s faithfulness and steadfast love more than their ritual observances.

 Faithlife Study Bible

A – God wants our hearts before he wants our actions.  If we get our hearts right, everything else lines up.  That will reflect in how we interact with others.  It will cause us to move in “mercy” (compassion, courage) and not sacrifice (ritual, selfishness).

R – Lord, I need my heart to line up with your heart today.  I can be selfish and self-centered.  It causes me to do things in a perfunctory way. Give me a heart that demonstrates my love for you and others.  Let me be a vessel of your mercy and grace in all situations today.