In the teachings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the invitation to offer a "broken heart and a contrite spirit" is a central tenet of the gospel of Jesus Christ. This offering, which replaced the ancient practice of animal sacrifice, is a deeply personal and spiritual process of submitting one's will to God, fostering humility, and experiencing sincere repentance.
I. Understanding the Core Principles
A. What is a Broken Heart?
Church leaders have clarified that a broken heart is not a state of being emotionally shattered in a negative sense, but rather a heart that is humbled, meek, and receptive to the will of God. It is a heart that has shed its pride and stubbornness. Elder Bruce D. Porter, in a 2007 General Conference address, taught that a broken heart is one that is "completely open to the Spirit of God and recognize[s] our dependence on Him for all that we have and all that we are." I personally like the analogy of a horse being broken; when broken, it allows a saddle, bridle, reins, and a rider to control its actions [see the following video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eHwGWBJyMSg ].
B. What is a Contrite Spirit?
A contrite spirit is described as a spirit that is penitent, teachable, and obedient. It is the disposition to feel godly sorrow for one's sins and a sincere desire to forsake them. Elder D. Todd Christofferson explained that a contrite spirit is an "obedient spirit." This state of being allows an individual to be molded and guided by the Lord.
C. The New and Higher Sacrifice
Following His resurrection, the Savior declared to the Nephites, "And ye shall offer for a sacrifice unto me a broken heart and a contrite spirit" (3 Nephi 9:20). This new law elevated the focus of worship from an outward ordinance to an inward transformation. Instead of the blood of an animal, the Lord asks for the "whole souls" of His children (Omni 1:26).
II. The Pathway to a Broken Heart and a Contrite Spirit
Based on the counsel of modern prophets and apostles, the following steps outline the process of developing a broken heart and a contrite spirit:
A. Cultivate Humility
Acknowledge Dependence on God: Recognize that all strength, blessings, and progress come from God. This involves a conscious effort to "walk humbly" before Him (Doctrine and Covenants 11:12).
Forsake Pride: Pride is the primary obstacle to a broken heart. It manifests as self-sufficiency, a desire for control, and a resistance to counsel. Overcoming pride requires prayerful introspection and a willingness to see oneself as God sees them.
B. Experience Godly Sorrow for Sin
Honest Self-Evaluation: Engage in sincere and regular self-assessment to recognize personal sins and shortcomings. This is not about self-loathing, but about an honest desire for improvement.
Focus on the Savior's Atonement: Ponder the immense suffering of Jesus Christ in Gethsemane and on the cross. This contemplation naturally leads to a sense of sorrow for sins that made such a sacrifice necessary. As Elder D. Todd Christofferson taught, "True repentance is not superficial."
C. Surrender Your Will to God
"Thy Will Be Done": The essence of a broken heart and a contrite spirit is aligning one's will with God's will. This involves a daily decision to "let God prevail" in all aspects of life, as President Russell M. Nelson has emphasized.
Obedience to Commandments: A willingness to keep the commandments is a tangible expression of a submitted will. It is through obedience that we demonstrate our love for the Lord and our desire to be like Him.
D. Embrace Gratitude
Recognize the Hand of the Lord: Actively look for and acknowledge God's influence in your life. Gratitude softens the heart and dispels feelings of entitlement or complaint.
Express Thanks in Prayer: Regularly express heartfelt thanks to Heavenly Father for His Son, Jesus Christ, and for all blessings, both temporal and spiritual.
E. Partake of the Sacrament Worthily
A Weekly Renewal: The ordinance of the sacrament provides a weekly opportunity to renew covenants and to offer a broken heart and a contrite spirit. During this sacred time, individuals can reflect on their discipleship and recommit to following the Savior.
III. The Blessings of This Sacred Offering
The scriptures and teachings of modern prophets promise significant blessings to those who offer this sacrifice:
The Companionship of the Holy Ghost: "And whoso cometh unto me with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, him will I baptize with fire and with the Holy Ghost" (3 Nephi 9:20).
Access to the Atonement's Power: Lehi taught that the Savior's Atonement is efficacious for "all those who have a broken heart and a contrite spirit" (2 Nephi 2:7).
Spiritual Peace and Joy: A heart that is yielded to God experiences a profound peace and joy that the world cannot offer.
Sanctification and Purification: Through this process, individuals are cleansed, purified, and made more holy.
In conclusion, the path to a broken heart and a contrite spirit is a continuous journey of becoming more Christ-like. It requires faith, humility, repentance, surrender, and gratitude. It is the very essence of true discipleship and the gateway to receiving the fullness of the blessings available through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. It is a sacrifice that leads not to brokenness, but to wholeness in Him.
