Scripture Reading: “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.” (Psalm 51:17)
The only sacrifices God accepts from sinners are broken hearts and penitent spirits. God does not despise, but greatly delights in a sinner heartbroken over his sins and determined to wholeheartedly turn from sin to Him. According to Christ, the repentance of a sinner is Heaven’s greatest joy (Luke 15:7, 10).
The Apostle Paul taught that true repentance only comes from a godly sorrow induced in the hearts of sinners by the Holy Spirit of God (2 Corinthians 7:9-10). Many have a worldly sorrow over their sin. They are heartbroken over sin’s consequences; that is, over what sin cost them. Such sorrow, according to the Apostle Paul, results in death. It leaves the sinner unforgiven and under divine condemnation.
On the other hand, godly sorrow results in true repentance, divine pardon, and great rejoicing in the presence of the angels. Those heartbroken under the Spirit’s conviction of sin develop a detestation of sin that serves as a sure sign of their salvation from sin. Theirs is not a sorrow over what their sin cost them, but over what their sin cost God; namely, His Son and His Son’s life. Make no mistake about it; salvation is to be had at no other place than this. It is only found at the foot of the cross, where heartbroken sinners bow in godly sorrow and true repentance.
“What can I give Him, poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd, I would bring Him a Lamb.
If I were a wise man, I'd sure do my part.
So what can I give Him? I'll give Him my heart.
What can you offer, that's fit for a King?
Bow before Jesus, that's where you can start.
What can you give Him? Just Give Him your heart.” (Christina Rossetti)