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—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. Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. - 2 Corinthians 7:8-10
There have been many times in life where my sorrow was driven about by the world. Sorrow that I was caught. Sorrow that I had consequences. Sorrow because I didn't look as good as I was wanting to portray. The problem with this sorrow is that they all point back to “I.” In Paul’s letter to Corinth, He states that he is not trying to bring about sorrow, but he does not regret it when it happens. Not because he is righteous, not because he is trying to make them lower so he feels higher. Actually, it has nothing to do with Paul or the reader’s. Rather, he is directing their attention back to the one person they need most, Jesus!
As Christians our desire should be to be more like Jesus. We make resolutions, ask Him to help us, and try to behave differently. Yet despite our best efforts to do things God’s way, we sometimes slide back into old habits. Overcoming sinful attitudes and behaviors starts with genuine repentance, which includes:
● Conviction – The Holy Spirit reveals areas of sin and convicts us of wrongdoing. Through Scripture, He’ll show us God’s standard and what needs to change.
● Contrition – Grieving over our iniquity is followed by confession to the Lord. Genuine sorrow arises from the knowledge that we’ve sinned against God. True contrition will lead us to humble confession.
● Confession – Acknowledging our wrongdoings, according to God’s standard set in Scripture. Offering repentance for our inequities and putting our wants, desires, and plans above that of the Lord’s.
● Commitment – Real repentance is complete when we wholeheartedly pledge to turn from our old ways and move toward righteousness. God knows we won’t live perfectly, but He looks for a surrendered heart that diligently seeks to obey Him.
Paul used strong language when telling us to turn from iniquity: “Put to death ... whatever belongs to your earthly nature” (Col. 3:5 NIV).
- What sin are you struggling to overcome?
- Have you genuinely repented, committing to turn from it permanently?
- How might the Lord be leading you to let the Holy Spirit empower you to change?
The best part christian, is that Christ has already forgiven you. Let’s live like it!
Written BY: Jordan Hampton
