August, 2003

“Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.” II Cor. 7:10

In Chapter 7 of II Corinthians, we see the process of repentance at work. Paul mentioned a letter he wrote to the church of Corinth in verse 8. It is believed to be the missing letter, written between the time of I and II Corinthians. It is, at times, referred to as the “Severe Letter” mainly because Paul severely rebuked them for continuing in sexual sin. In I Corinthians, Paul mentioned that some of the believers engaged in immoral activities were even worse than those of the unchurched. He warned them and told them to repent, but apparently, they didn’t heed his warnings. So, he sent another letter (the missing letter) to severely warn them of their consequences. Thankfully, after delivering the Severe Letter, Timothy returned to report of their repentant spirit. This brought great relief to Paul.

The difference between the sorrow inflicted by God and the sorrow inflicted by the world is that one is purposeful while the other is pointless. One provides hope, while the other results in depression. In this verse, Paul reminded us that Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation. According to God, sorrow is not an end in itself; it is a mean to an end. It is redemptive—nothing is lost, only gained. Godly sorrow brings out a hope of salvation, which means to be delivered from a hopeless situation. What makes “pain” beneficial is not its uncomfortable sensation, but our reaction to it. Without painful sensation, you wouldn’t know of an infection. Having pain will lead us to find treatment for remission. The most deadly disease is the “painless cancer,” because when you realize it, most often is too late for any treatment.

Almost all rebuke causes us discomfort. How we react to the discomfort determines the outcome. Godly sorrow results in salvation without regret. This doesn’t mean having a careless, so-what attitude. “Leaves no regret” points to holding on to God’s grace, and thereby, realizing salvation—hope for a better future. On the other hand, worldly sorrow (maybe sorry that we’ve been caught!) will lead us nowhere. It causes more grieve and pain without the hope of redemption. Many people today are depressed because of what they have done in the past. Let us find hope in God’s forgiveness. But first thing first, have you examined your life lately? Is there a need for Godly sorrow? If there is, do it, my friend. Admit it, repent and be saved!

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