In other words, He was saying, "I would rather see you have love and not just a dutiful law-keeping offering of sacrifices and performing of duties. I'd rather you give love to somebody than to just be so self-righteous!"
The drunks and the harlots and the sinners came to Jesus for love and mercy, and He treated them tenderly, kindly and forgave them, and gave them hope and love and strength! They didn't go to the harsh, rigid, self-righteous, unyielding, unforgiving, critical and condemning religious leaders, who told them to be perfect or go to Hell, but they came to Jesus, for His Love and mercy, forgiveness, encouragement and patience!
Love throws a veil over countless sins! (1Pet.4:8) But some people are so self-righteous they think they never make mistakes! If you realise how much YOU need mercy, you'll be much more merciful to others. Remembering what sinners we are and how many mistakes we've made greatly helps to keep us humble and to avoid that spirit of self-righteous pride which causes us to criticise and condemn others. When you realise that YOU need a lot of forgiveness and mercy, it really helps you to extend it to others.--So be merciful! Amen?
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