I WANT MERCY NOT SACRIFICE

I WANT MERCY NOT SACRIFICE

“I want mercy, not sacrifice.”
How profound is the depth of this word
From the kind lips of a holy Lord –
Not thinking that religious duty
Precedes giving love in its beauty;
Not God’s law, rigid in the letter
But kept in the spirit – much better;
Not emphasizing Sabbath keeping
At the cost of compassion weeping.

“I want mercy, not sacrifice.”
Terrifying – I must die to “me”,
Living for the struggling ones I see;
To have mercy on those who are weak;
Not despising but helping them seek.
Enabling to find God’s solution,
Those whose lives are dark with pollution;
Having a heart for the one who’s poor
When adversity knocks them once more.

“I want mercy, not sacrifice.”
This emphasizes priorities –
Respecting oppressed minorities;
Visiting the child who is ailing
And the old man whose mind is failing;
Empathy and comfort for the sad;
Rememb’ring prisoners, said to be bad.
Considering my own sinfulness,
I cannot judge those who’ve made a mess.

“I want mercy, not sacrifice.”
I of all people should understand –
I’ve received mercy at God’s hand.
Now He wants me mercy to extend
And acceptance, patience with no end.
Easier to offer sacrifice
Than to pay mercy’s demanding price.
But He who showed us this diff’rent way
Provides the love to pass on each day.

Poem written by: Noreen Holmes