Topical Bible: The Heart: when Broken and Contrite, not Despised by God

◄ The Heart: when Broken and Contrite, not Despised by God ►

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The concept of a broken and contrite heart holds significant theological importance within the Christian tradition, reflecting a state of humility and repentance that is highly valued by God. This theme is prominently featured in the Bible, where it is often associated with genuine repentance and a sincere turning back to God.

Biblical Foundation

The primary scriptural reference for understanding the value of a broken and contrite heart is found in Psalm 51, a penitential psalm attributed to King David. After being confronted by the prophet Nathan regarding his sin with Bathsheba, David expresses profound remorse and seeks God's forgiveness. In Psalm 51:17 , David declares, "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, You will not despise." This verse underscores the idea that God values inner repentance over external rituals.

The Nature of a Broken and Contrite Heart

A broken heart, in the biblical sense, refers to a state of deep sorrow and recognition of one's sinfulness. It is an acknowledgment of personal failure and a heartfelt desire for reconciliation with God. A contrite heart goes further, embodying a spirit of humility and a willingness to submit to God's will. This attitude is contrasted with pride and self-reliance, which are often depicted as barriers to receiving God's grace.

God's Response to the Contrite

Throughout Scripture, God consistently responds with compassion and mercy to those who approach Him with a broken and contrite heart. Isaiah 57:15 states, "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.'" This passage highlights God's willingness to dwell with and restore those who are humble and repentant.

New Testament Perspectives

The New Testament continues this theme, emphasizing the importance of repentance and humility. In the Beatitudes, Jesus proclaims, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:3). This beatitude reflects the value placed on spiritual poverty, which aligns with the concept of a contrite heart. Additionally, the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector (Luke 18:9-14) illustrates the contrast between self-righteousness and genuine repentance, with the tax collector's humble plea for mercy being commended by Jesus.

Practical Implications

For believers, cultivating a broken and contrite heart involves regular self-examination, confession of sins, and a sincere desire to align one's life with God's will. It requires an openness to the Holy Spirit's conviction and a willingness to seek forgiveness and transformation. This attitude not only restores one's relationship with God but also fosters spiritual growth and maturity.

In summary, the biblical portrayal of a broken and contrite heart reveals a profound truth about God's character: He is a God of mercy and grace, who welcomes and restores those who come to Him in humility and repentance. This theme serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of God's love and the importance of maintaining a posture of humility before Him.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 51:17
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

That a Man Ought not to Reckon Himself Worthy of Consolation, but ...
... take comfort a little before I go whence I shall not return even ... Thou wouldst have
poured upon Thy sacred feet, for a broken and contrite heart Thou hast ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kempis/imitation of christ/chapter lii that a man.htm

A Dialogue with God
... of all good in us is the contrite acknowledgment of ... not begin with a vivid and
heart-broken consciousness of my ... all further access of God's love to that heart. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/a dialogue with god.htm

Results of True Repentance.
... "The Lord is nigh to the broken of heart, and saveth such as be contrite of spirit."
"A broken and a contrite heart, O God, Thou wilt not despise." Many ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/moody/the overcoming life/results of true repentance.htm

The Sin against the Holy Ghost.
... It does not belong to the broken and contrite heart, but cankers only in the
proud spirit that opposes the Lord and His holy ordinances. ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xxxvii the sin against the.htm

It is Also of Importance to Observe, that the Four Laws of Prayer ...
... of the sacrifice of which David speaks, "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit:
a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise" (Ps.51 ...
/.../calvin/of prayer--a perpetual exercise of faith/chapter 16 it is also.htm

Confession of Sin Illustrated by the Cases of Dr. Pritchard and ...
... from his knees till he began to feel something of brokenness of heart. ... chamber, then,
poor sinner, if thou wouldst have a broken and contrite spirit, and ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 11 1865/confession of sin illustrated by.htm

On the Atonement.
... The only account to be given of His death is, that He died not for Himself ... and love,
and to make him bow before the cross with a broken and contrite heart. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/finney/sermons on gospel themes/xii on the atonement.htm

The Pharisee and Publican
... This man came up to the temple to pray, and he prayed indeed. And
a broken and contrite heart God will not despise. ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/the pharisee and publican.htm

Who is the Greatest?
... to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and ... He who rejects this united overture
has broken the tie ... shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart: thou shalt ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 48 who is the.htm

Encouragement for the Depressed
... The humble and contrite have a word all to themselves in Scripture, that these he ...
if your Father knows you, you need not be so broken in heart because your ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 61 1915/encouragement for the depressed.htm