For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings.

But go and learn what this means: “I desire mercy, not sacrifice.” For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.’

If you had known what these words mean, “I desire mercy, not sacrifice,” you would not have condemned the innocent.

A living sacrifice

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God – this is your true and proper worship.