Godly Sorrow

2 Corinthians 7:8–10: For even if I made you sorry with my letter, I do not regret it; though I did regret it. For I perceive that the same epistle made you sorry, though only for a while. Now I rejoice, not that you were made sorry, but that your sorrow led to repentance. For you were made sorry in a godly manner, that you might suffer loss from us in nothing. For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.

Paul had written them a stern letter, and then had regretted it. But the letter achieved its purpose and the Corinthians repented, and this made Paul rejoice. Their repentance was not merely a passing “regret”; it was a true godly sorrow for sin. “Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.” Do Christians need to repent? Jesus said that we do (Luke 17:3–4), and Paul agreed with Him (2 Cor. 12:21). Four of the seven churches of Asia Minor, listed in Revelation 2–3, were commanded to repent. To repent simply means “to change one’s mind,” and disobedient Christians need to repent, not in order to be saved, but in order to restore their close fellowship with God. ¹

Personal Application

• Read Matthew 26:75-27:5. What is the difference between Peter and Judas when it comes to Godly sorrow and repentance?

Godly Encouragement

• Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him! –Psalm 34:8

A Biblical Thought to Share with Others

Godly sorrow is sincere sorrow. – TWEET IT

A Prayer to Consider

Lord, thank You for the grace to repent and the gift of forgiveness.