For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice,
the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.

Jesus echo’s this verse in Matthew 9:13 pointing out that we all sin, but instead of sacrifices to atone for the sins we have already committed he commands us to love and have mercy because in that command there is no longer a need for sacrifices and burnt offerings. In a life of love and mercy we are living as G-d would have us live, we are living in the way that G-d desires and dreams for us.