Hosea 6:6 For I desire mercy and not sacrifice, And the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.

God spoke to the people through the prophets because many of us are too hard at heart to listen to God. We have lived in this corrupt world which has hardened our hearts in many ways.

The sacrifices were designed to soften people’s heart as they made them; but they too lost their effectiveness when people hardened their hearts again.

God wants us to come to Him with open hearts and willing to receive; that means allowing those walls we build up to be broken down by Him…

Easier said than done; but try we must.

Hebrews 13:16 But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.

It is all very well to give what we can directly to God through praise, prayers, giving, worship and whatever other act we can because this is all very pleasing to God.

But what about the people around us? God wants us to show others kindness and love. When Christ reminded us to love our neighbours it was not just something He said!

God wants us to show love to others, not when we can afford it, but always. If it costs us, all the better because we are sacrificing to do it.

We are sacrificing to do it for His people. Not for ourselves!

Hebrews 13:15 Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.

How do you get across to people that you believe in God, Christ and the Holy Spirit? How do you show others how special God is to you?

The best way is to actually tell people that God is real and deserves your praise as well as their praise!

That does not just mean shouting it out in the streets or preaching in churches…

Sometimes the best way to tell someone the truth is to show them from your heart. Praise God openly by the way you live in front of them!