This Godly Sorrow

1 Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God. - 2 Corinthians 7:1

Although this verse technically tags onto the previous portion in chapter six, it is the opening verse to 2 Corinthians 7. It's very powerful in reminding us to live holy lives, purified from all the evils of this world.

The rest of chapter is addressed to the people of Corinth and Paul is filled with joy as he talks about his past experiences, his letter and what resulted of it. He discovered that his letter caused sorrow but one must be wondering why is he so joyful from other people's sorrow? It's because this sorrow led to repentance. But this sorrow was not a worldly one, but a Godly one (v.10).

When he talks about godly sorrow, it means that one has lost God's approval, you feel guilty and bad for what you have done, but these feelings are indicators from the Holy Spirit that you have sinned. And from that one should realize that even though we may fail at times, we can always turn back to a God who forever loves and forgives.

On the other hand, worldly sorrow leads to death. If you think about it, on this world, when you have worldly sorrow, you are losing the world's approval. Whenever that happens it ends up in rejection and judgement. You can never gain the world's approval, they will always be looking for flaws in you, and twist your words. At the same time, what the world approves of may not always align with what God approves of.

Have you lost God's approval from sinning against Him? Have you turned back to God for forgiveness? He will always love and forgive you, giving you chances, as long as are working towards righteousness and holiness God will always approve.

verse of the day: 2 Corinthians 7:10

¹⁰ Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.