Three simple verses, all beginning with the word “but.” They have a couple of other keywords in common.
“But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” ~ Jesus, Matthew 9:13
“But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ ” ~ Jesus, Luke 18:13
“But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life.” ~ Paul, 1 Timothy 1:16
Did you catch the keywords?
I think they begin with “but” because they state a truth that is in contrast to the world’s view and behavior. That is, to my view and behavior, all too often.
When I think I’ve sacrificed, when I’m tempted to boast to God in prayer about all I’ve done for Him, when I’m convinced that I’ve been doing the right thing in the right way and for the right reason … I need to be reminded Whose perfection and sacrifice did everthing for me that I could not do.
I need to be reminded that – though forgiven – I am still a sinner, and that I should show what I have been shown; give what I have been given: mercy, faith, patience, an example.
Blog In My Own Eye 
Thanks, Keith. This post, and those three simple verses give a new, fresh perspective after a couple of weeks of posts about instrumental music and the larger issue of prohibitive silence.People who are honestly searching to do what God would have them to sincerely end up on both sides of that issue, and perhaps at every possible point along that spectrum, as far as what is “permissible” or “prohibited.”But this post drives home a point that most of us tend to forget: NONE of us are in any less need of His mercy than the others.