Brokenness is a word that is not explicitly used much in the Bible, yet the concept is seen throughout Scripture. At its core, brokenness refers to acknowledging one’s own flaws, sins, weaknesses, and limitations before God. It is the opposite of pride, self-reliance, and self-righteousness. A broken person recognizes their need for God’s grace, forgiveness, and strength. The Bible makes it clear that God desires us to have a spirit of humility and repentance, not one of arrogance and self-dependence. Let’s explore more of what the Bible says about this important spiritual posture.
We are all broken and sinful before God
The Bible clearly articulates that every human being is a sinner and falls short of God’s perfect standard (Romans 3:23). We inherited a sinful nature from Adam and Eve, and we all choose to sin by our thoughts, words, and actions. King David cries out to God, “Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me” (Psalm 51:5). No one is righteous in himself or herself. The prophet Isaiah laments, “We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment” (Isaiah 64:6). Because of our own sinfulness, we are helpless, flawed, defective, broken and separated from a holy God.
This sinful brokenness manifests itself in many ways. We see anger, malice, greed, envy, pride, lust, and idolatry in our hearts. We lies, hurt others, covet, steal, and commit sexual immorality. Thoughts and behaviors that go against God’s standards. The Bible minces no words when it comes to the universal human plight of sin and how it breaks us. Romans 6:23 tells us plainly, “The wages of sin is death.” Our very nature and choices have condemned us under God’s judgment. But the passage doesn’t end there. It also says, “But the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” More on that later.
Godly sorrow leads to repentance
If we want to be made whole, it starts by agreeing with what God says about our sinfulness and brokenness. The Bible calls this “godly sorrow” that leads to repentance (2 Corinthians 7:10). Repentance means turning away from sin and turning to God for mercy and forgiveness. We stop trusting in ourselves, and instead trust in Jesus Christ and His sacrifice for our sins. Repentance requires humility, honesty, and openness before God about the true condition of our hearts.
Psalm 51 shows an excellent model of repentance and humility before God. After committing terrible sins, David pours out his heart in repentance. He acknowledges his sinful nature and specific sins of adultery and murder. He makes no excuses. David appeals only to God’s mercy and grace. He cries out, “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise” (Psalm 51:17). David’s spirit was broken and contrite over his sins. He learned firsthand that God will not reject a humble and repentant heart that relies completely on His forgiveness and grace.
Jesus redeems broken people
The good news of the gospel is that Jesus did not come for self-righteous people but to redeem broken, sinful people. Jesus said, “For I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance” (Luke 5:32). And when criticized for eating with “tax collectors and sinners,” Jesus replied, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance” (Luke 5:31-32). Christ saw the crowds as distressed, helpless, and broken like sheep without a shepherd (Matthew 9:36).
Though perfect and sinless, Jesus willingly took on the weakness, brokenness, and sin of the world. He allowed Himself to be crucified as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. As the prophet Isaiah foretold about the Messiah, “He was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5). Jesus experienced ultimate brokenness so that our brokenness could be redeemed, and we could have new life in Him.
God gives grace to the humble
If we continue to deny or downplay our own brokenness and sin, we cut ourselves off from God’s grace and forgiveness. “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6). We cannot experience God’s healing, restoration, and redemption if we refuse to acknowledge our flaws, limitations, and weaknesses. Though prideful and self-sufficient attitudes come naturally, Scripture reminds us that “everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted” (Luke 18:14).
Jesus demonstrated true humility by allowing Himself to be betrayed, mocked, beaten, and crucified for sinful mankind. And God exalted Him to the highest place by resurrecting Him and seating Him at the right hand of the throne of God (Philippians 2:5-11). This humble and sacrificial mindset should flow out of gratitude for Christ’s love. The Bible urges us, “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:5).
God gives us beauty for ashes
In God’s amazing grace, He redeems our brokenness and makes us new creations in Christ. What once condemned us under God’s judgment becomes the very thing that draws us to receive new life through the gospel. Even in our weaknesses, we discover His strength. The apostle Paul had some physical affliction he called a “thorn in the flesh.” Three times he asked God to take it away. But God replied, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9). God assures Paul, “I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
God’s redeeming grace has a way of taking broken and worthless things and making them useful for His kingdom. Consider these powerful words from Isaiah 61:3. “To grant to those who mourn in Zion—to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit, that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he may be glorified.” Beauty for ashes. Gladness instead of mourning. Garments of praise instead of faintness of spirit. This is our hope found in Christ.
We all need healing and restoration
If you feel too broken, damaged or sinful for God to want to use you, remember this: We all need God’s healing and restoration. The Bible says that “no one living is righteous before you (God)” (Psalm 143:2). We are all broken in some way and need the Savior. Jesus assured that He came to heal the sick (Luke 5:31-32). Healing implies that something is currently broken, defective or harmed. Therefore, do not let feelings of inadequacy, guilt, or shame keep you from humbly coming to Jesus. His sacrificial death proved God’s amazing love for broken people.
God gives us a new identity in Christ
For those who put their trust in Jesus Christ, God gives them a completely new identity as His dearly loved children. No matter what brokenness or sins have marked your past, God declares you righteous, holy, and beloved in Christ. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come” (2 Corinthians 5:17). Your worth is no longer based on your own goodness but on being an adopted son or daughter of God!
God paid the ultimate price through Christ’s blood to make you His own. “You were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ” (1 Peter 1:18-19). You are loved and accepted by God not because you are inherently worthy but because of Christ in you. Rest fully in your new identity in Him.
We are all broken vessels God wants to use
Oftentimes, we feel God cannot or should not use us because we are too flawed. But God’s pattern is to use broken people to glorify Himself. Recall the words of 2 Corinthians 4:7 – “But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.” We are basic earthen vessels, yet God has placed His Spirit and life-giving gospel within us. Just as Christ’s death and resurrection shined light on God’s glory and power, so God radiates His life through our human brokenness.
The Bible highlights many broken heroes of the faith that God used powerfully despite their flaws. Abraham lied about his wife. Moses had a speech impediment and murdered an Egyptian. David committed adultery and murder. Peter denied even knowing Jesus. Paul persecuted Christians zealously. All were broken, and all were transformed by grace and used by God. Our imperfections allow God’s grace and power to shine that much brighter!
God draws near to the brokenhearted
You may feel far from God because of your brokenness. But actually, Scripture says just the opposite. God is close to those who are hurting and know they cannot make it on their own. David wrote, “The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18). And Psalm 147:3 reminds us that God “heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” Whatever brokenness you are experiencing, reach out to Jesus. He will wrap you in His loving arms to bring comfort, healing, redemption, and restoration.
Remaining humble and teachable
We never fully “arrive” or outgrow our need for God’s mercy and grace this side of eternity. Our human tendency is to wander from God’s ways over time. We can start to rely on our wisdom or abilities rather than God. Or pride and self-sufficiency may creep into our attitudes. This is why remaining humble, open and teachable before God is so crucial. King David prayed in Psalm 139:23-24 – “Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me.” We all need regular spiritual check-ups.
Jesus exemplified the kind of humility and reliance on God that pleases Him best. Though fully God, Jesus submitted Himself to the Father and emptied Himself of the glory He shared with God (Philippians 2:5-8). He declared that He could do nothing apart from the Father (John 5:19,30). And He lived in perfect obedience, gaining His strength through daily time with Abba Father God. May we reflect this humble posture before our gracious God as well!
Hope in our ultimate redemption
Our brokenness reminds us that this world is not our final home. Jesus promised His followers that He is preparing a place for them so “that where I am you may be also” (John 14:3). For all who trust in Christ, we have the hope of the resurrection and glorification. The Bible says that “in Christ shall all be made alive” and “this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality” (1 Corinthians 15:22,53). Hallelujah, we will trade in brokenness for wholeness!
In this fallen world, we will know pain and tears, but Revelation 21:4 holds this glorious promise: “[God] will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” Let this eternal perspective encourage you in whatever brokenness you face today. Jesus redeems all our pain through His healing love!
Bringing our brokenness to God
What should be our response to personal brokenness? Bring it humbly to the Lord! Do not try to hide your flaws or pretend you have it all together. Instead, agree with what God says about your sin and weaknesses. Own where you fall short of His standards. Then receive His mercy and grace. God will not despise a broken and contrite heart (Psalm 51:17). Where sin abounds, God’s grace abounds all the more (Romans 5:20). Yield your will to Christ’s transformative power.
God’s strength is made perfect in human weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). Your emptiness makes room for His fullness. Your inadequacy makes room for His sufficiency. Your flaws become a canvas for His glory and redemption. So do not shy away from your spiritual poverty or broken places. With humility and faith, bring them to Jesus. Let Him meet you with compassion, healing, forgiveness, and love. He specializes in taking broken lives and making them whole!