Hosea 6:6 NKJV
For I desire mercy and not sacrifice and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.
The Lord established the sacrificial system that Israel was supposed to practice. There were various kinds of sacrifices - some for sin, and some for worship and other reasons. Yet, through the prophet Hosea He said He preferred mercy over sacrifices. It did not mean they shouldn't offer sacrifices. It meant that He did not want their sacrifices to be a trade off for them showing mercy. In other words, God does not want us acting religious, trying to impress Him, while neglecting to show kindness toward mankind whom He loves so much. Let us show mercy where we can, or are led to. Then when it is time to offer sacrifices, those gifts will be acceptable to God.
