Read chapter in full: biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=2Corinthians+007
CHAPTER 7 (ESV)
8 For even if I made you grieve with my letter, I do not regret it—though I did regret it, for I see that that letter grieved you, though only for a while. 9 As it is, I rejoice, not because you were grieved, but because you were grieved into repenting. For you felt a godly grief, so that you suffered no loss through us.
10 For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death. 11 For see what earnestness this godly grief has produced in you, but also what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what longing, what zeal, what punishment! At every point you have proved yourselves innocent in the matter. 12 So although I wrote to you, it was not for the sake of the one who did the wrong, nor for the sake of the one who suffered the wrong, but in order that your earnestness for us might be revealed to you in the sight of God. 13 Therefore we are comforted.
REFLECTION:
- The world’s sorrow is an “I’m sorry I got caught” kind of sorrow. The individual is sorry for himself, and the consequences he now has to pay. Godly sorrow is grief about the original act, and repentance – a commitment to turn from wrongdoing and to turn back toward God. We grieve, like Isaiah does in Isaiah 6, not only for ourselves, but also because we belong to a people who are sinful. With this comes spiritual insight and maturity.
- Have I ever experienced this deep godly grief, for myself, or for others?
PRAYER:
- Quietly before God, I ask for the courage to face the wounds within me that still haven’t healed, and I pray for God to grant me comfort and healing.
- I ask God to purify me so that I may grieve according to God’s will, not sorrowing over the consequences of my wrongdoings but only repenting for my sins themselves. I pray for God’s forgiveness, filling my spirit with joy and peace.
HYMN:
Song of Repentance – youtu.be/iE4YYHr2SF8
