Scripture Reading: Hosea 6:6-7
For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.But they like men have transgressed the covenant: there have they dealt treacherously against me.

Reflection: The people of Israel had the heart to bring offerings and sacrifices to God. They will not miss any opportunity to offer their substances God. Unknowing to them, God rejected every offering they presented to him. He eventually makes this known to them through the prophetic ministry of Hosea and explains why. They had left off godly living which is a primary and foremost requirement of the terms of covenant He had established with them. According to Hosea, God desires mercy and walking in his knowledge far more than sacrifices. This implies that the offering of our substances to God is meaningless and useless without a demonstrated life of holy living. A life of godly character is what will make your offering acceptable to God. King Saul for instance had the bitter experience of loosing his kingship just because he will not live his life in obedience to God even though he was quick to bring God an offering. Samuel did not mince words at all when he told him that ‘Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams’ (1 Samuel 15:22). Your offering is meaningless until you live a life of godly character!