Contrite: A Heart Humble Before God

The Nature of Contrition in Scripture

The term contrite describes a profound spiritual condition—a heart marked by humility, brokenness, and reverence for God’s holiness. It is not merely feeling regretful or saying “I’m sorry,” but involves a deep recognition of one’s sinfulness and complete dependence on God’s mercy. A contrite person acknowledges their unworthiness before a holy God, understanding that they deserve judgment rather than grace (Ps 41:4; Isa 6:5). This posture is essential for true repentance and reconciliation with God.

Jesus illustrated this truth in His parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector (Lk 18:10–14). The Pharisee, confident in his own righteousness, prayed with pride and self-justification. In contrast, the tax collector stood at a distance, would not even lift his eyes to heaven, and cried out, “God, have mercy on me, a sinner.” Jesus declared that this man, not the Pharisee, went home justified. Only the contrite heart is open to receive God’s forgiveness.

God affirms this principle throughout Scripture: “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O Lord, you will not despise” (Ps 51:17). True worship does not consist in rituals or outward performances, but in inward surrender and sorrow for sin. Such a heart is not rejected by God—it is honored and restored.

Living in a State of Contrition

God dwells not only in the highest heavens but also “with him who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite” (Isa 57:15). This intimate presence reveals how highly God values humility. He declares, “This is the one I esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and who trembles at my word” (Isa 66:2). To tremble at God’s Word is to receive it with awe, submission, and a readiness to obey—not to question, rationalize, or excuse disobedience.

Contrition is not a one-time event but an ongoing posture of the heart. When the Holy Spirit convicts a believer of sin, the contrite response is immediate repentance—without defensiveness,

A contrite heart calls sin, sin

denial, or excuse-making. Excuses are subtle forms of self-justification that resist God’s correction. In contrast, a contrite person agrees with God’s assessment, turns from sin, and finds freedom in His grace.

Jesus pronounced a blessing on those who mourn, saying, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted” (Mt 5:4). This mourning is not over circumstances, but over personal sin and its cost—the suffering of Christ on the cross (Rom 5:12; 2 Cor 5:21). Such godly sorrow produces repentance that leads to salvation and brings lasting peace with God.

Reflection and Application:

  • Do I respond to conviction with humility, or do I justify my actions and shift blame?
  • Am I truly broken over my sin, or have I grown numb to its seriousness before a holy God?
  • Does my worship reflect an inward reality of repentance, or is it merely outward formality?
  • Do I tremble at God’s Word, receiving it with reverence and immediate obedience?

See also: brokenness, excuse, humility, remorse, repentance.