CONTRITION
I recently entered a conversation between a leader of a Christian organization and a volunteer. The leader admitted to, and apologized for, “a failure to communicate and provide clear direction.” But, his contrition ended there. After profuse excuses for his failure, he said, “Well, maybe this isn’t the job the Lord has for you.”
My jaw dropped. If facial expressions were any indication, the volunteer’s heart went into A-fib.
Is that where we’ve arrived? Instead of humbly accepting responsibility, and leaving it at that, we blame God or the person He’s provided for the job?
Long story short, thank God this situation has been rectified. But here’s what God’s word says: ...“a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise.” (Ps. 51:17b)
The original word for contrite, conterere, means to grind or to bruise. When we offer an apology without a change of heart (repentance), our words sour within us. The healing that should come from contrition and humility instead produces more bruising. For everyone involved.
So, why do we hold onto what we need to release ... what would immediately free us and promote healing?
If the church is a hospital for Christians, are we getting any better?
Do we allow guilt and pride to block our ability to humble ourselves? Ouch! Yep, that includes me.
When King David was confronted by the prophet Samuel, the king’s immediate response was contrition. He didn’t balk, hem or haw, or make excuses. No doubt David’s sin with Bathsheba ate away at him. His severed relationship with the Lord, something he’d never before experienced, tormented him. He wanted freedom from his shame and guilt.
The words David penned in Psalm 51 have been a model for repentance for Jews and Christians alike. Hear his heart as he cries out to God for cleansing; for God to move in His unfailing love and compassion; and his desire for God to create a clean heart in him.
I pray that the contrition David showed, the longing he expressed to the Lord, and the forgiveness and peace he enjoyed will rest on each of us today and always.
By Amre Cortadino
To leave a comment, please click on the title above, "CONTRITION," and scroll down. Thank you for subscribing and sharing this website with a friend. God bless you! :)