[2 Corinthians 7, Proverbs 29]

H – 2 Corinthians 7:10, “For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death.”

E – Two Kinds of Grief!

When I’m in grief, sorrow, or bitter distress over things I’ve done or had done to me I have one of two responses; respond in a divine godly manner or in a selfish worldly manner.

First, there is godly grief or sorrow. If I’m a Christ follower I should have regret, a bitter sorrow, and emotional pain when I know I’ve sinned or living in sin. Sin is against God and is pushed away from His holiness. This grief is knowing I’ve wronged God. It’s knowing, like David, “Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight,……”(Psalm 51:4). When I’m caught in sin I only have one true response to flee this regret; repentance. Repentance means a change of mind and behavior and involves action in accord with God’s will. Godly sorrow is desiring the joy that salvation brings. Therefore, godly sorrow always leads to repentance. And, when I walk in repentance, as a Christ follower, I have no regrets.

Second, there is worldly grief. On the surface worldly grief may look similar to godly grief. There may even be sorrowful remorse because of the hurt brought on to others or yourself. Yet, David Garland wrote, “worldly grief is caused by the loss or denial of something we want for ourselves. It is self-centered. It laments such worldly things as failing to receive the recognition one thinks one deserves, not having as much money as one wants, not getting something one covets.” Worldly grief brings selfish intentions to get out or way from problems. Even unbelievers may regret sins that they have committed, but this sorrow does not bring about God-centered repentance, and thus leads to death.

When true believers hear the conviction and rebuke of God’s Word, they turn to God for cleansing and forgiveness. And, when they’ve genuinely repented they have no regret because of the forgiveness that’s been granted and the presence of His Spirit.

A – Hear the Word, Allow the Word to change me, be sensitive to the conviction of the Holy Spirit, respond obediently in accord to God’s will, have no regrets.

R – Lord God, thank you for the opportunity to repent. Lord continue to convict me of my wrongs. Thank you for the opportunity to be made right before you, anew. Lord God, I pray I would experience your presence today in a super natural way. Lord, help me to live in light of the joy of my salvation.

In Jesus Name!