What Does It Mean to Have a Humble and Contrite Heart?

Having a humble and contrite heart is a characteristic that God desires in His people, especially those in positions of leadership. In this article, we will explore what it means to have a humble and contrite heart, provide multiple examples found in the Bible, and offer practical ways to cultivate this quality in our own lives.

A humble heart is one that recognizes its limitations and weaknesses, and acknowledges that everything we have and are comes from God. It is an attitude of humility that puts others before ourselves and recognizes that we are not better than anyone else. A contrite heart is one that is repentant and sorrowful for our sins and shortcomings. It is a heart that recognizes the need for forgiveness and seeks to make things right with God and others.

Examples of humble and contrite hearts can be found throughout the Bible. King David, for example, had a humble and contrite heart when he repented of his sin with Bathsheba. In Psalm 51:17, he wrote, “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.” Another example is Moses, who, despite being a great leader and prophet, had a humble heart and was known as the most humble man on earth (Numbers 12:3).

Jesus Christ himself is the ultimate example of humility and contrition. Philippians 2:5-8 says, “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”

So how can we cultivate a humble and contrite heart in our own lives? Here are five practical ways:

1. Regularly confess our sins to God and seek His forgiveness. This helps us to stay humble and recognize our need for God’s mercy and grace.
2. Practice gratitude and thankfulness. Recognize that everything we have and are comes from God, and give Him thanks for His blessings.
3. Serve others with humility. Look for opportunities to put others before ourselves and serve them in love.
4. Be willing to learn from others. Recognize that we don’t have all the answers and be open to learning from those around us.
5. Practice self-reflection and self-awareness. Regularly examine our own hearts and motives, and be willing to acknowledge and address our shortcomings.

Having a humble and contrite heart is an important characteristic that God desires in His people, especially those in leadership positions. By following the examples of humble and contrite hearts in the Bible and practicing practical ways to cultivate this quality in our own lives, we can become the kind of people God wants us to be.