Topical Encyclopedia The term "contrite" refers to a deep, sincere remorse and repentance for one's sins, characterized by a humble and broken spirit. In the biblical context, contrition is a vital aspect of the character of saints, reflecting a heart that is responsive to God's holiness and grace.Biblical Foundation The concept of contrition is deeply rooted in Scripture, where it is often associated with repentance and humility before God. In Psalm 51, King David exemplifies a contrite heart after his sin with Bathsheba. He prays, "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, You will not despise" (Psalm 51:17). This verse highlights that God values a heart that is genuinely remorseful and open to His correction. Isaiah 57:15 further emphasizes God's regard for the contrite: "For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: 'I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite'" . Here, the prophet Isaiah reveals that God is near to those who are humble and contrite, promising revival and restoration. Characteristics of a Contrite Heart 1. Humility: A contrite heart is marked by humility, recognizing one's own sinfulness and the need for God's mercy. This humility is not self-deprecating but rather an honest acknowledgment of one's position before a holy God. 2. Repentance: True contrition involves a turning away from sin and a turning towards God. It is not merely feeling sorry for sin but actively seeking to change one's ways in alignment with God's will. 3. Dependence on God: Those with a contrite heart understand their dependence on God's grace and forgiveness. They do not rely on their own righteousness but trust in the redemptive work of Christ. 4. Openness to Correction: A contrite spirit is teachable and open to God's correction. It welcomes the refining process of sanctification, desiring to grow in holiness and obedience. Examples in Scripture Apart from David, other biblical figures demonstrate contrition. The prophet Isaiah, upon seeing a vision of the Lord, exclaimed, "Woe is me, for I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips" (Isaiah 6:5). His immediate recognition of his sinfulness in the presence of God's holiness is a hallmark of contrition. The parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector in Luke 18:9-14 also illustrates contrition. The tax collector, standing at a distance, would not even lift his eyes to heaven but beat his breast, saying, "God, have mercy on me, a sinner!" (Luke 18:13). Jesus commends this man's humility and repentance, stating that he went home justified before God. Theological Significance Contrition is essential for the believer's relationship with God. It is the posture of the heart that allows for genuine repentance and reconciliation with the Creator. The contrite heart is a fertile ground for the Holy Spirit's work, leading to spiritual growth and maturity. In the life of the church, contrition fosters a community of grace and accountability. It encourages believers to bear one another's burdens and to seek forgiveness and restoration in relationships. The contrite heart is a testament to the transformative power of the Gospel, reflecting the character of Christ in humility and love. Nave's Topical Index Isaiah 57:15For thus said the high and lofty One that inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones. Nave's Topical Index Isaiah 66:2 Library Perseverance of Saints. Fenelon -- the Saints Converse with God The Character of the Persons for whom this Rest is Designed. Confession Steadfast unto the End Concerning the Sacrament of Penance Attributes of Love. Aims of the Papacy. Liberty of Conscience Threatened The Sin against the Holy Ghost. Resources What does the Bible say about Christian character? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the character of God? | GotQuestions.org How does bad company corrupt good character (1 Corinthians 15:33)? | GotQuestions.org Character: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Character of Saints: Attentive to Christ's Voice Character of Saints: Blameless and Harmless Character of Saints: Fearing God Character of Saints: Following Christ Character of Saints: Guileless Character of Saints: Hungering After Righteousness Character of Saints: Hungering for Righteousness Character of Saints: Led by the Spirit Character of Saints: Loathing Themselves Character of Saints: New Creatures Character of Saints: Poor in Spirit Character of Saints: Pure in Heart Character of Saints: Righteous Character of Saints: Steadfast Character of Saints: Taught by God Character of Saints: Taught of God Character of Saints: Undefiled Character of Saints: Zealous of Good Works Character of the Wicked: Abominable Character of the Wicked: Alienated from God Character of the Wicked: Blasphemous Character of the Wicked: Blinded Character of the Wicked: Boastful Character of the Wicked: Conspiring Against God's People Character of the Wicked: Conspiring Against Saints Character of the Wicked: Corrupt Character of the Wicked: Covetous Character of the Wicked: Deceitful Character of the Wicked: Delighting in the Iniquity of Others Character of the Wicked: Despising Saints Character of the Wicked: Despising the Works of the Faithful Character of the Wicked: Destructive Character of the Wicked: Disobedient Character of the Wicked: Enticing to Evil Character of the Wicked: Envious Character of the Wicked: Evildoers Character of the Wicked: Fearful Character of the Wicked: Fierce Character of the Wicked: Foolish Character of the Wicked: Forgetting God Character of the Wicked: Fraudulent Character of the Wicked: Froward Character of the Wicked: Glorying in Their Shame Character of the Wicked: Hard-Hearted Character of the Wicked: Hating the Light Character of the Wicked: Heady and High-Minded Character of the Wicked: Hostile to God Character of the Wicked: Hypocritical Character of the Wicked: Ignorant of God Character of the Wicked: Impudent Character of the Wicked: Incontinent Character of the Wicked: Infidel Character of the Wicked: Loathsome Character of the Wicked: Lovers of Pleasure More than of God Character of the Wicked: Lovers of Pleasure, not of God Character of the Wicked: Lying Character of the Wicked: Mischievous Character of the Wicked: Murderous Character of the Wicked: Persecuting Character of the Wicked: Perverse Character of the Wicked: Prayerless Character of the Wicked: Proud Character of the Wicked: Rebellious Character of the Wicked: Rejoicing in the Affliction of Saints Character of the Wicked: Reprobate Character of the Wicked: Selfish Character of the Wicked: Sensual Character of the Wicked: Sold Under Sin Character of the Wicked: Stiff-Hearted Character of the Wicked: Stiff-Necked Character of the Wicked: Uncircumcised in Heart Character of the Wicked: Unclean Character of the Wicked: Ungodly Character of the Wicked: Unholy Character of the Wicked: Unjust Character of the Wicked: Unmerciful Character of the Wicked: Unprofitable Character of the Wicked: Unruly Character of the Wicked: Unthankful Character of the Wicked: Untoward Character of the Wicked: Unwise Character: Defamation of, Punished Character: Firmness: Joseph in Resisting Potiphar's Wife Character: Instability: Israelites Character: Instability: Pharaoh Character: Instability: Reuben Character: Instability: Solomon Character: Revealed in Countenance Physiognomy: (External Aspect)): Character Revealed In Related Terms |
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