March 6, 2018 - - II Corinthians 7:8-12 What is godly sorrow?

For even if I made you grieve with my letter, I do not regret it—though I did regret it, for I see that that letter grieved you, though only for a while. As it is, I rejoice, not because you were grieved, but because you were grieved into repenting. For you felt a godly grief, so that you suffered no loss through us.

For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death. For see what earnestness this godly grief has produced in you, but also what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what longing, what zeal, what punishment! At every point you have proved yourselves innocent in the matter. So although I wrote to you, it was not for the sake of the one who did the wrong, nor for the sake of the one who suffered the wrong, but in order that your earnestness for us might be revealed to you in the sight of God.

II Corinthians 7:8-12

Paul wrote an earlier letter to the Corinthians, calling them out for allowing a very public sin to continue. The people were grieved. This is the difference between the sorrow of a Christian and a non-Christian. A non-Christian will feel bad about things, or behaviours, but this feeling does not produce a change. The Christian sorrows or grieves over his sin and repents: turns from the sin and turns toward God asking forgiveness and the strength to change.

Pastor Stephen Richardson this past Sunday noted there are seven things to be observed:

1. Godly sorrow leads a person to rush to make things right.

2. There is a full apology, no excuses or speaking of mitigating circumstances, or self-justifying.

3. Fear of the LORD--aware of His wrath against sin, God is not mocked, we can't 'get away with our sins'.

4. Indignation against our sin--we are angry enough to make a lasting change, putting sin behind us.

5. Vehement desire God creates in us for change.

6. Zeal--having the picture of the goal in mind and the God-given strength to go after it no matter our circumstances. Picture an athlete in training who will stop at nothing to achieve his goal.

7. Vindication: accepting the consequences of our sin and having a heart change that refuses to wallow in self-pity but with a view to the glory of God walks in newness of life.

Spirit of God, thank You for the gift of a conscience that produces godly sorrow. Jesus, thank You that our sins are wholly covered by Your finished work at the cross. Father in heaven, forgive me my wrong-doing. Thank You for showing me the hindrances and entangling things which would keep me from serving You with my whole heart, mind and strength. Now, give me the zeal to serve You. Amen.