Godly Sorrow

Godly Sorrow

2 Corinthians 7:10 For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.

Many people express sorrow for the wrongs they’ve committed and think that’s enough, but they never express godly sorrow leading to repentance. The sorrow they express is the sorrow of the world, and that isn’t enough. In fact, it leads to death—eternal death in hell. Godly sorrow produces repentance, and repentance leads to salvation.

That leads to a central question. What’s the difference between godly sorrow and the sorrow of the world? Paul explains that clearly. Godly sorrow leads to repentance and the sorrow of the world doesn’t. That means repentance is extremely important because it leads to salvation. John the Baptist preached repentance. Jesus said He came to lead sinners to repentance, and Peter tells us the reason Jesus hasn’t returned yet is because He’s patiently waiting for people to come to repentance.

So, what is repentance? Isaiah says it’s turning to God and forsaking wickedness and unrighteous thoughts (Isaiah 55:6-7). When you express godly sorrow it will lead you to turn to God and seek forgiveness that can only be achieved through faith in His Son; then you’ll forsake your sin. Worldly sorrow might produce a feeling of guilt, maybe even grief, but it won’t lead you to turn to God, and it won’t lead you to give up the sins that made you sorry in the first place. The difference is massive because one kind of sorrow leads to salvation and the other doesn’t.

So, the next time you say, “I’m sorry,” examine your sorrow. Is it godly sorrow that produces repentance, or is it worldly sorrow that doesn’t?

Have a God Filled Week,

Brother Donnie