The Power Of A Broken And Contrite Heart Series

THE POWER OF A BROKEN AND CONTRITE HEART

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 2 Samuel 12:13

Supporting Texts: Psalm 51:1-17, Isaiah 57:15, Joel 2:12-13, Luke 18:9-14, 1 John 1:9

INTRODUCTION:

The story of David’s fall into sin and his subsequent repentance remains one of the most profound pictures of human failure and divine mercy in Scripture. Though David was a man after God’s own heart, he succumbed to lust, deception, and murder. Yet in his brokenness, he did not harden his heart—he ran back to God with humility and tears.

Psalm 51 reveals the inner posture of David’s heart after Nathan the prophet confronted him. Instead of justifying himself, blaming others, or making excuses, David fell before God and cried for mercy. He acknowledged his transgression and pleaded not just for forgiveness but for inner transformation. He did not simply want to be cleared; he wanted to be clean.

God is drawn not to the prideful or self-righteous but to those who are broken in spirit and contrite in heart. Genuine repentance is not about external performance, but about internal brokenness—a godly sorrow that leads to a changed life. This teaching calls us back to the altar of humility, where mercy flows and restoration begins.

1. TRUE REPENTANCE BEGINS WITH ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF SIN

Before God can restore, man must first admit his fault.

a) “And David said to Nathan, ‘I have sinned against the Lord.’” (2 Samuel 12:13)

David took full responsibility for his actions without shifting blame.

b) Until we call sin by its name, we delay the healing that comes through confession

Repentance starts where honesty begins.

c) God does not despise the one who comes humbly and sincerely

A contrite heart attracts divine attention.

d) Denial keeps us in bondage, but confession unlocks the door to mercy

David’s openness allowed restoration to begin.

Biblical Example: The prodigal son said, “Father, I have sinned…” and was welcomed home (Luke 15:18-21).

2. BROKENNESS IS A SACRIFICE THAT GOD WILL NEVER DESPISE

God delights more in inward contrition than outward ritual.

a) “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and contrite heart—these, O God, You will not despise.” (Psalm 51:17)

Genuine brokenness is precious in God’s sight.

b) Religious activity without inner transformation is empty

God is more pleased with repentance than performance.

c) Brokenness is not emotionalism—it is the humble recognition of our deep need for grace

It brings us into alignment with God’s mercy.

d) A contrite heart becomes the dwelling place of God’s presence

He says He dwells with the lowly (Isaiah 57:15).

Biblical Example: The tax collector beat his chest and said, “God, be merciful to me a sinner!” and was justified (Luke 18:13-14).

3. GOD'S MERCY FLOWS FREELY WHERE THERE IS GENUINE HUMILITY

The moment David acknowledged his sin, God responded with mercy.

a) “The Lord also has put away your sin; you shall not die.” (2 Samuel 12:13b)

Forgiveness was granted not because David deserved it, but because he humbled himself.

b) Mercy is not for the perfect—it is for the penitent

God’s heart is drawn to those who weep over their sin.

c) Divine mercy shields us from the full consequences we rightly deserve

Though there were still repercussions, David's life was spared.

d) Humility makes room for God to intervene where justice demands judgment

God’s mercy triumphs over judgment.

Biblical Example: Ahab humbled himself, and God delayed judgment despite his wickedness (1 Kings 21:27-29).

4. REPENTANCE OPENS THE DOOR TO INNER RENEWAL AND RESTORATION

David didn’t just ask for forgiveness—he asked for transformation.

a) “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” (Psalm 51:10)

He longed for inward cleansing, not just outward pardon.

b) Repentance is not a return to the old, but a cry for newness within

It invites the Holy Spirit to renovate the heart.

c) When we are truly broken, we don't want to return to sin—we want to be restored in righteousness

David feared losing God's presence more than his throne.

d) Restoration includes joy, peace, and renewed communion with God

Sin breaks fellowship, but repentance restores it.

Biblical Example: Peter, after denying Jesus, was restored and became a pillar in the early Church (John 21:15-17).

5. A BROKEN HEART BECOMES A CHANNEL FOR MINISTRY TO OTHERS

David didn’t keep his restoration private—he pledged to help others.

a) “Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, and sinners shall be converted to You.” (Psalm 51:13)

From brokenness came a new ministry of reconciliation.

b) God uses the healed to bring healing to others

Your testimony becomes someone else’s turning point.

c) A forgiven person becomes a compassionate intercessor

Mercy received should become mercy shared.

d) The best ministers are not the perfect ones, but the broken ones made whole by grace