Sorrow that leads us toward God is a gift, and it ends in life.
“For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.”2 Corinthians 7:10 (KJV)
What does “Godly sorrow” mean in 2 Corinthians 7:10?
Paul contrasts godly sorrow with the sorrow of the world. One turns us toward repentance, and the other only sinks us deeper.
Going deeper
Paul had written the Corinthians a difficult letter, and he was glad, not because he hurt them, but because their sadness led them to change. There are two kinds of grief over wrong. One is focused on getting caught, on shame, on being stuck in regret. The other is focused on God and on the harm we caused, and it moves us to make things right. The first leaves us feeling worse. The second leads to salvation and leaves no regret behind.
It can help to ask which kind of sorrow you feel. If it is pulling you toward God and toward the people you have wronged, welcome it. Let it lead you to confession, to an apology, and to a fresh start. If it is only pushing you to hide or to punish yourself, bring it to God and ask Him to turn it into something healthier. His aim is never to keep us stuck. It is to bring us through to life.
Reflect
Is your sorrow over wrong pulling you toward God, or pushing you to hide?
Pray
Father, turn my sorrow into repentance and my repentance into life. Keep me from shame that hides, and lead me back to You. In Jesus' name, amen.
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