"To err is human, but contrition felt for the crime distinguishes the virtuous from the wicked." ~ Vittorio Alfieri
What Is Contrition?
Contrition is the state of feeling remorseful and repentant. Merriam-Webster defines contrition as the "feeling or showing sorrow and remorse for improper or objectionable behavior, actions, etc."
In Christianity, contrition or contriteness (from the Latin term contritus meaning "ground to pieces," i.e., to be crushed by guilt) is repentance for sins one has committed. The remorseful person is said to be contrite or have a contrite heart. Alfred Garnett Mortimer, the rector of St. Mark's Church in Philadelphia, stated that "feelings" are not a good gauge of contrition. True contrition indicates a willingness to confess our sins, amend one's life, avoid temptation, and forgive others.
Contrition is a central part of Christianity. It is considered the first step, through Christ, toward reconciliation with God. It involves repentance for all one's sins, a desire for God over sin, faith in Christ's redemption on the cross, and the hope of salvation through Christ's Resurrection.
Contrition in the Bible
Found only in Old Testament (Psalms 34:18; Psalms 51:17; Isaiah 57:15), "smitten" (Isaiah 66:2). Contrite, "crushed," is only the superlative of "broken"; "a contrite heart" is "a heart broken to pieces." In Holy Scripture, the heart is the seat of all feelings, whether joy or sorrow. A contrite heart is one in which the consciousness of guilt has completely humbled the natural pride and self-sufficiency. The theological term "contrition" designates more than is found in these passages. It refers to the grief experienced as a consequence of the revelation of sin made by the preaching of the law (Jeremiah 23:29). Excerpt from International Standard Bible Encyclopedia.
"The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, And saves such as have a contrite spirit." ~ Psalms 34:28 NKJV
"The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise." ~ Psalm 51:17
"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." ~ Isaiah 66:2
"Is not My word like a fire?" says the Lord, "And like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces?" ~ Jeremiah 23:29
Contrition in Psalm 51
Psalm 51 teaches the nature of genuine repentance, which is why it is used so often in Christian services and personal prayer. Historically, King David committed the sins and transgressions of adultery and murder (2 Kings 11-12). However, he obtained mercy from God because of his repentance. Many fall into sins but never come to true contrition for their transgression against God. Therefore, no one can use David's sins as an excuse to justify their own. For sins and transgressions do not draw God's mercy in themselves, but only by genuine contrition. Such things characterize true repentance as a confession to God, inward purity, and inward humility.
Quotes about Christian Contrition
Here is a collection of quotes from well-known Christian figures about the meaning and importance of contrition and repentance.
"God is not looking for repayment, but repentance. What heals a broken relationship is sincere love and contrition." ~ Frederica Mathewes-Green
"Three conditions are necessary for Penance: contrition, which is sorrow for sin, together with a purpose of amendment; confession of sins without any omission; and satisfaction by means of good works." ~ Thomas Aquinas
"What differentiates leaders is the ability to recover following a mistake. I make mistakes all the time, but I cop to them, apologize, and move on. Contrition is powerful." ~ Dana Walden
"There is a sacredness in tears. They are not the mark of weakness, but of power. They speak more eloquently than ten thousand tongues. They are the messengers of overwhelming grief, of deep contrition, and of unspeakable love." ~ Washington Irving
“One moment of prayer, of weak worship, confused contrition, tepid thanksgiving, or pitiful petition will bring us closer to God than all the books of theology in the world.” ~ Peter Kreeft, Prayer For Beginners
“By daily contrition, and habitual mortification of the flesh, man is day by day RENEWED, bearing heavenly fruits and celestial graces, of an inexplicable sweetness. Contrariwise, the pleasure of the world bringeth heaviness of heart, vexation of spirit, and a wounded conscience: yea, so great hence is the calamity of the soul, and so heavy the loss of the heavenly gift (a loss which necessarily flows from the pleasures of the flesh, and from worldly delights) that he who duly calls the same to mind, cannot be exceedingly fear and dread any of the fleshly and worldly joys, which serve but to divert him from those that are spiritual and heavenly, and to quench in him the most sweet grace of devotion that brings the soul into the kingdom of God.” ~ Johann Arndt: True Christianity
"A person repents when he comes to the place where he discovers that the will of God is the government of his life and the glory of God is the reason for his life. He only has repented who has changed his mind about his reason for being." ~ Paris Reidhead
Prayer of Contrition
O Lord my God,
I confess that I have sinned against You in thought, word, and deed.
I have also omitted to do what Your holy law requires of me.
But now, with repentance and contrition, I turn again to Your love and mercy.
O Lord, Jesus Christ, have mercy on me, a sinner. Amen.
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