The word contrition or the act of being “contrite” in our
relationship to God isn’t used much these days. In Christian theology, contrition or contriteness
is repentance for sins one has committed. It’s
from a Latin word contritus which means 'ground to pieces', or literally
crushed by guilt. The remorseful person is said to be contrite.
God's
Word gives an example of contrition in Jonah 3:5, "When the news reached the king of Nineveh, he rose from his throne,
took off his royal robes, covered himself with sackcloth and sat down in the
dust."
The king
was faced with God’s punishment for Nineveh’s evil ways. His response is
surprising, but appropriate. It saved the lives of many people.
Your
earthly social status doesn't matter to God. Everyone must bow to Him, and know
that he is God. There is no such thing as a proud Christian. Maybe we need to
apply contrition in to our daily disciplines as Christ followers.
Amen or
Oh-Me?
