Sorrows are inevitable in this life. Sorrows may lead to depression, addiction, procrastination, and eventually death (10). But there is a sorrow that leads us to repentance, salvation, earnestness, eagerness, indignation, alarm, longing, concern, readiness, devotion, delight, and confidence (10-13, 16). This is godly sorrow. Paul knew what godly sorrow can bring to the Corinthians and so he was unafraid of confronting their sins.

Godly sorrow awakens us to see sin as God sees it. It opens our eyes, softens our hearts, and moves us to turn back to God sincerely. The people in Nineveh repented their sins out of deep sorrow. They wore sackcloth, fasting and crying out to God. Nehemiah also had a deep sorrow for the sins of Israel and their wretched condition. Without godly sorrow, true repentance cannot take place, and we cannot truly appreciate the Lord’s salvation.

When God’s word exposes our sin, we may feel pain. This pain is God’s grace that leads to salvation, healing, and joy. In times of such sorrow, may we turn to the Lord in repentance.
Application: Father, thank you for the pains and sorrows you bring to us. Help us to see your deep love in these and lament for our ungodliness so that we can return to you.
One Word: Thank you for the corrections, failures, and pains that lead to repentance