SCRIPTURE: 2 CORINTHIANS 7
BIBLE VERSES:
“Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.” ( 2 Corinthians 7:10)
PAUL’S JOY (vs. 1-16)
Paul took pride and was greatly encouraged when Titus reported that the church had disciplined the offender. He was overjoyed when Titus told him about the deep sorrow and ardent concern the Corinthian believers had for Paul. Paul’s letter had given them sorrow but he did not regret it because it had led them to repentance. “Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation” (v. 10)
Paul was delighted to see how happy Titus was because they were obedient receiving him with fear and trembling. His spirit had been refreshed by them so that Paul had complete confidence in the Corinthian church.
THOUGHTS:
A- The stern letter of Paul to the Corinthian church reaped the following results:
- They had mourned over their sins.
- They had desired to see Paul again.
- They had rekindled their love to Paul
- They had repented and dealt with the offender.
B- There is a great difference between regret, remorse and repentance. Regret involves the mind, remorse involves the emotion. But repentance includes a change of mind and behavior with a hatred for sin and a willingness to make things right. Let us compare Peter’s repentance with Judas remorse. Both denied Christ. Peter repented and was restored to faith and service while Judas showed regret and took his own life. He committed suicide because he did not know true repentance and the gracious forgiveness that God gives to those who call upon His name.