“Even if I caused you sorrow by my letter, I do not regret it. Though I did regret it-I see that my letter hurt you, but only for a little while- yet now I am happy, not because you were made sorry, but because your sorrow led you to repentance. For you became sorrowful as God intended and so were not harmed in any way by us. Godly sorry brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. See what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern, what readiness to see justice done.” 2 Corinthians 7:8-12a
The truth of this passage is that godly sorrow brings repentance. God wants us to have a repentant heart so that our character may be developed and used for His purposes. The result of repenting, for the Corinthians, was a turn around in their thinking. They had no regrets in moving forward to achieve God’s purpose and justice. Serving God became their goal. Turning to God changes the heart, the direction and the motivation of the believer and leaves one with no regrets. Staying with worldly pursuits and goals brings worldly sorrow and troubles that have no future and lead to death and separation from God. Where are you headed today? Do you have a repentant heart? Are you eager and willing to pursue godly goals in your life? This last week of Lent, before we head into Jerusalem next Sunday and move towards the cross, hold yourself accountable and face your heart attitude and motives. Are they aligned with the Lord? If not, repent and offer them to God. Ask Him to replace your worldly heart attitude and goals with His. May the truth of today’s passage remain in your mind that godly sorrow brings repentance and repentance brings salvation and newness of life.
Seeking a renewed heart through Jesus,
Linda
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