JOHN SHIRK – To be contrite is to feel or show sorrow and remorse for a sin.  This is a humble disposition before God. The Bible tells us that God gives grace to the humble. He is willing to forgive on the basis of what Jesus did for us at the cross.

Through a contrite heart, we are ready for change.  Contriteness keeps the heart tender before God so that we are willing to adjust our desires and motivations to the way God wants them to be.

The display of a contrite heart was a turning point for David in Psalm 51.  He prayed:  “Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.”  David also sought God’s help to make changes in his life so that he would live in obedience to God.

He said, “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”  He acknowledged that God will not despise a broken and contrite heart. This same opportunity for change is possible for us. First John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”

Contriteness is a character quality that enables us to represent Jesus in the world today.

John Shirk

john@wjtl.com