To whom can you show mercy today?

Matthew 9:13 (NLT)

Then He added, “Now go and learn the meaning of this Scripture: I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.  For I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners”

This verse goes along with the parable of the Pharisee and the publican (tax-gatherer) found in Luke 18:9-14).  Jesus makes it clear this verse and in the Luke 18 parable that He has no regard for those who think that they are righteous.  After the Pharisee brags in Luke 18:10-11 how good he is, Jesus condemns him.  Conversely, because the publican in Luke 18:13 cries “God, be merciful to me, the sinner!” (by the way, this is called an “arrow prayer” in that we can “shoot” it to God any time we sin throughout the day), Jesus commends him, saying that “every one who humbles himself shall be exalted”. 

Jesus clearly states that readers should learn the meaning of this Scripture—“I want to show you mercy, not offer sacrifices”.  He is quoting Hosea 6:6 where God is speaking (perhaps pleading) to the nation of Judah to stop its apostasy.  Jesus repeated this statement in Matthew 12:7 where He criticizes the Pharisees for their narrow-minded legalism.  What is He saying here that we should apply in our lives? 

There could be other meanings, but I believe that Jesus is teaching His followers to be gracious, to be forgiving, to show compassion to others who stumble.  We should not expect or demand some kind of reconciliation gift from those who have offended us, who have committed sins against us, but  are sorry for what they have done (like the publican).  The model for us is God Himself who does not expect any kind of sacrifice from us (not since Jesus sacrificially died for our sins and eliminated the need for any further sacrifice) when we sin against Him.  All He expects is a humble spirit to confess our faults and sins and require His mercy.  To whom can you show mercy today?