August 3

Sorrow That Leads to Repentance

Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death (2 Corinthians 7:10).

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 7:9-11

Song: “Break My Heart, Dear Lord”

Godly sorrow and worldly sorrow . . . both can cause deep regret, but only one can have a saving effect. Worldly sorrow harbors the fear of others discovering our sin, and calls for a cover-up. It causes separation as we withdraw or become belligerent in order to keep others from getting too close to our secrets. It might mean deceiving people who love us, because we don’t want to hurt them. Thus worldly sorrow can be quite painful; however, feeling remorse—and even confessing to those we’ve hurt—cannot take away our sin or guilt; spiritual death is still there.

Godly sorrow, however, is realizing that my sin has been an affront to God himself, in that I rejected His love and plans for me. It may require restitution, on the human plane, among our relationships. But in a deeper sense, the guilt before the Lord remains. We become joyless, physically weakened, and perhaps overwhelmed by feelings of remorse.

This is where godly sorrow points us to the path of redemption. When we finally stop running, finally cry out, “God, be merciful to me, a sinner,” regret fades away and salvation enters. That surrender, that crying out to God, is exactly what we need.

Lord, please break my heart and lead me to confession. For my sin, for turning my back on You, for despising the plans You have for me, I ask Your forgiveness. And give me Your power to change and live in a way that honors You. In Christ, amen.