Our pastor recently preached on a text talking about Mercy and Sacrifice. In his sermon, he touched on a few of the differences between the two. I jotted these down on an offering envelope (sorry, deacons...) and thought you might enjoy reflecting on them:

• Mercy seeks the greatest need. Sacrifice seeks the greatest audience.

• Mercy changes us. Sacrifice hardens us.

• Sacrifice says, "How can I use someone to get something I want?"

• Mercy is a voluntary sorrow - It always looks to serve the greatest need.