Godly Grief

"For godly grief produces repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death" (2 Cor. 7:10, ESV).

The context surrounding this verse, Paul addresses the grief felt by the Corinthian church at his rebuke.  He wants them to be aware that his rebuke was meant to inflict sorrow.  He wounded them intentionally, but they were wounds meant to bring a greater healing.

The goal of his correction was godly grief.  He wanted them to come under the conviction of the Holy Spirit, and to be broken by their sin.  This kind of grief or sorrow produces "repentance that leads to salvation without regret."  Spirit applied rebuke works repentance in the heart.  Repentance in the heart transforms the life.  A transformed life abandons the practices that lead regret.

Paul contrast's godly grief with worldly grief.  Worldly grief never leads to repentance.  It may lead to guilt--even intense guilt, but it never moves a person to repentance.  They never change their mind; they never turn away from their grief to the living God.  They become paralyzed by their guilt, and often turn bitter.

Has anyone spoken a word of rebuke to you that cut you to the heart?  After meditating on their words, did you find yourself wanting to change?  Have you turned to Christ in repentance and faith, knowing that his blood has purchased your pardon and given you his righteousness?  Do those words of rebuke now spur you on toward obedience to Christ?  If so, you have experience godly sorrow, and it is working its fruit in your life.  If not, don't let your guilt eat at you any longer.  Call out to Christ and find forgiveness and cleanse.