When I am misrepresented or deliberately misinterpreted, and I remember that Jesus was falsely accused but He "held His peace,” and I bow my head to accept the accusation without trying to justify myself, this is brokenness.
When another is preferred before me and I am deliberately passed over, and I remember that they cried “Away with this man, and release unto us Barabbas(2),” and I bow my head and accept rejection, this is brokenness.
When my plans are brushed aside and I see the work of years brought to ruins by the ambitions of others, and I remember that Jesus allowed them to "lead Him away to crucify Him(3)" and He accepted that place of failure, and I bow my head and accept the injustice without bitterness, this is brokenness.
When in order to be right with my God it is necessary to take the humbling path of confession and restitution, and I remember that Jesus “made Himself of no reputation” and “humbled Himself…unto death, even death on a cross(4),” and I bow my head and am ready to accept the shame of exposure, this is brokenness.
When others take unfair advantage of my being a Christian and treat my belongings as public property, and I remember “they stripped Him,” and “parted His garments, casting lots(5),” and I bow my head and accept “joyfully the spoiling of my goods,” for His sake, this is brokenness.
When one acts toward me in an unforgivable way, and I remember that when He was crucified Jesus prayed “Father forgive them; for they know not what they do6,” and I bow my head and accept any behavior towards me as permitted by my loving Father, this is brokenness.
When people expect the impossible of me and more than time or human strength can give, and I remember Jesus said, “This is my body which is given for you…(7),” and I repent of my self-indulgence and lack of self giving for others, this is brokenness.
(1) John 7:5
(2) Luke 23:18
(3) Matthew 27:31
(4) Philippians 2:7-8
(5) Matthew 27:28,35
(6) Luke 23:34
(7) Luke 22:19
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