Proverbs 21:3-8

verse 3: “To do righteousness and justice Is desired by the LORD rather than sacrifice.”

Towards the end of our vacation, my family and I ate at a local barbeque restaurant. It was on the 4th of July, and the restaurant was extremely busy. When we got through eating and our young waitress gave us the bill, my wife and I noticed that she forgot to ring up a few items. We called her back over and politely pointed out her error. We could see the relief on her face when she realized the mistake; what she said struck me odd for a moment. She smiled and said, “Not many people would’ve admitted it” (the error in their favor). I purposely replied to her when she brought back the corrected bill, “well, we try to do the right thing, miss”. She thanked us.

God wants us to do the right thing. One of the traits of the Pharisees that Jesus pointed out to them was their hypocrisy: they would make a big deal out of their sacrifices and “following religious rules”, but ignore the basic acts of kindness, justice, and righteousness. While offerings and sacrifices are good when done with the right heart, God is gladdened when we practice righteousness and justice…just as He would.

Have a great day in the Lord!