Why does God value a "contrite heart" according to Psalm 51:17? Psalm 51:17 — God’s Preferred Offering “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, You will not despise.” Why a Contrite Heart Matters to God • It signals genuine repentance. – Psalm 32:5 “I acknowledged my sin to You… and You forgave…” • It rejects pride and self-reliance. – James 4:6 “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” • It welcomes God’s presence. – Isaiah 57:15 “I dwell… with the one who is contrite and humble in spirit…” • It surpasses ritual sacrifice. – 1 Samuel 15:22 “Obedience is better than sacrifice.” • It opens the door to mercy and renewal. – Isaiah 66:2 “This is the one I will regard: he who is humble and contrite…” • It mirrors the attitude Christ commended. – Luke 18:13-14 The tax collector’s humble cry led to justification. • It fulfills God’s desire for heart-level worship. – Micah 6:8 “Act justly… love mercy… walk humbly with your God.” What “Contrite” Means • Broken over sin, not merely over consequences. • Tender-hearted, quick to confess and turn. • Free of excuses, blaming, or self-defense. • Eager for God’s cleansing rather than self-fixing. Contrite vs. Empty Religion • Old-covenant offerings pointed forward to inward surrender (Hebrews 10:4-5). • Without contrition, sacrifices became noise God rejected (Isaiah 1:13-15). • With contrition, even simple words become acceptable worship (Hosea 14:2). How a Contrite Heart Takes Shape Today • Daily openness to Scripture’s correction (Psalm 139:23-24). • Immediate confession when convicted (1 John 1:9). • Humble dependence on grace, not performance (Ephesians 2:8-9). • A softened spirit toward others, extending the mercy received (Matthew 5:7). The Blessing God Promises • Nearness: “The LORD is near to the brokenhearted” (Psalm 34:18). • Revival: “To revive the spirit of the lowly” (Isaiah 57:15). • Justification: “This man went home justified” (Luke 18:14). • Kingdom inheritance: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3). God values a contrite heart because it welcomes His grace, honors His holiness, and restores true fellowship—an offering He will never despise. |
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