Wednesday, January 7 | People Over Performance
Day 3: People Over Performance
Reading: Micah 6:6-8; Matthew 9:10-13
Devotional: Jesus declared, "I desire mercy, not sacrifice." The Pharisees had constructed an elaborate system of religious performance while missing the heart of God's law: love for people. They would rescue a sheep from a pit on the Sabbath to protect their investment but condemned healing a human being. How easily we fall into the same trap—maintaining our religious routines while ignoring hurting people around us. God's law was never meant to be a burden but a guide toward human flourishing. When our theology doesn't lead to compassion, we've missed the point entirely. Today, look beyond your to-do list. Who in your life needs mercy more than judgment? Choose one person to extend unexpected grace toward, remembering that people matter more than performance.
Reading: Micah 6:6-8; Matthew 9:10-13
Devotional: Jesus declared, "I desire mercy, not sacrifice." The Pharisees had constructed an elaborate system of religious performance while missing the heart of God's law: love for people. They would rescue a sheep from a pit on the Sabbath to protect their investment but condemned healing a human being. How easily we fall into the same trap—maintaining our religious routines while ignoring hurting people around us. God's law was never meant to be a burden but a guide toward human flourishing. When our theology doesn't lead to compassion, we've missed the point entirely. Today, look beyond your to-do list. Who in your life needs mercy more than judgment? Choose one person to extend unexpected grace toward, remembering that people matter more than performance.