THE ESSENCE OF REPENTANCE
“For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.”
II Corinthians 7:10 NKJV
Our theme scripture is part of a heartfelt letter by the Apostle Paul, in which he rejoiced over the Corinthian church’s repentance.
Prior to verse 10, in verse 8 and 9 Paul says: “I am not sorry that I sent that severe letter to you, though I was sorry at first, for I know it was painful to you for a little while. Now I am glad I sent it, not because it hurt you, but because the pain caused you to repent and change your ways. It was the kind of sorrow God wants his people to have, so you were not harmed by us in any way.”
There are times when more mature believers have to pass a severe reprimand, of which the source must be love — in order for those who don’t yet know the way, to get realigned and kept from error. Today, we are living in a time where cancel culture has become a weapon that whoever takes offense can deploy and avoid accountability and growth altogether.
Scripture is clear however, there are corrective measures that may cause sorrow but the distinction between earthly and godly sorrow is that the former causes shame and death while the latter causes life and restoration. When in error, consider it a compassionate response when a brother or sister in Christ reproofs you.
Remember that faithful are the wounds of a friend than the kisses of an enemy. Praise God.
Prayer: My Father, I thank You for the gift of godly correction and for those who love us enough to speak truth even when it’s uncomfortable. Help us to discern the difference between condemnation and conviction, and to receive reproof with humility and gratitude. Bless those who have gone ahead of us in maturity—who correct with compassion and restore with gentleness. May their words bring life, and may our hearts remain teachable before You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
CI.
RELATED RESOURCES
• Psalm 51:17
• Romans 2:4
• Acts 3:19
