Sorrow. One word that can produce radically different results.
For the kind of sorrow God wants us to experience leads us away from sin and results in salvation. There’s no regret for that kind of sorrow. But worldly sorrow, which lacks repentance, results in spiritual death. 2 Corinthians 7:10 (NLT)
There are two kinds of sorry described in this passage:
- Godly sorrow, which leads us away from sin and toward God; and
- Worldly sorrow, which keeps us in sin and leads us toward spiritual death.
I find myself telling my kids sometimes, “I don’t want you to tell me you are sorry, I want you to do what I ask you to do.” I am in essence telling them that saying “I’m sorry” is meaningless without repentance. Oh, I appreciate the gesture, but I don’t want it if it is only a gesture.
Paul says that saying “I’m sorry” with no intention to repent or make restitution for the sin leads to spiritual death. It leads to a discouraged, bitter, dead heart which can keep us far away from God. On the other hand, true godly sorrow incorporates a desire to leave the sin and draw near to God. Godly sorrow includes repentance from sin and an enhanced relationship with God.
Just see what this godly sorrow produced in you! Such earnestness, such concern to clear yourselves, such indignation, such alarm, such longing to see me, such zeal, and such a readiness to punish wrong. You showed that you have done everything necessary to make things right. 2 Corinthians 7:11 (NLT)
When I read these verses, I found myself asking two questions:
- What have I found myself apologizing for over and over again? I may be sorry that I did it, while having no intention of repenting of the sin. Am I willing to be saved from it? Am I willing to do anything necessary to make things right? If not, my sorrow is hollow and pointless.
- Who do I know that is in danger of allowing their worldly sorrow to lead them to spiritual death? Am I willing to share this verse (actually 2 Corinthians 7:8-13) with them and pray with/for them?
I find myself telling my kids that more and more. Thanks for putting it into perspective for me and reminding me that I do the EXACT same thing to God.