May 05, 2022 – Thursday
2 Corinthians 7:8-10 NIV
8 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—
9 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.
10 Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.
Comment.
In Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians, he had rebuked them for discord and other inappropriate goings-on which were being tolerated in the church. Thus, the letter produced pain for them as rebukes commonly do. Paul does not regret this but was concerned it might have cut too deeply and not produce the desired result.
In verse nine Paul’s worry is gone. He has received reports that the goings-on that were being tolerated had been dealt with leading to repentance. This was a very good thing and assured Paul his letter had not harmed them in any way. Instead of harm, they became sorrowful as God intended which was Paul’s hope and purpose in writing the letter to them.
To ensure no one misconstrues what Paul meant, he adds, Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. Paul introduces a new term, Godly sorrow. Barnes’ Notes tells us, This is a very important expression in regard to true repentance, and shows the exact nature of that sorrow which is connected with a return to God. The phrase may be regarded as implying the following things: [edited] (1) Such sorrow as God approves, or such as is suitable to. or conformable to his will and desires. It cannot mean that it is such sorrow or grief as God has, for he has none; but such as shall be in accordance with what God demands in a return to him. (2) such sorrow as shall be exercised toward God in view of sin; which shall arise from a view of the evil of sin as committed against a holy God. Such sorrow David had Psalm 2:4, when he said, “against thee, thee only have I sinned.” (3) that which leads to God. It leads to God to obtain forgiveness; to seek for consolation. A heart truly contrite and penitent seeks God, and implores pardon from him.
The worldly sorrow mentioned at the end of verse ten we are told brings death. The worldly view of sorrow of sin is such that it is not genuine repentance and as a result leads the person away from God. He seeks solace and comfort in the world. He does his best to drive away any serious deep remorse as he seeks to drown such in drink and other pleasurable excesses along with the cares of life.
Bottom Line: Avoid worldly sorrow and focus your repentance with Godly sorrow. Godly sorrow produces
a change or changes that become permanent, in effect a singular reformation. It cannot be mere regret as it does not short felt effects. Instead, its effects are permanent and enduring changes.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, So glad You wait patiently for our Godly sorrow and repentance as we turn to You. Your mercy knows no bounds. – In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
RileyD, nwJ
Riley D. Driver – Pastor
Calvary Chapel of Dayton
in Beavercreek