Today’s reading:
2 Corinthians 7:2-12
“For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.” (v. 10)
The least religious man on earth relates to the word “repent”, which he knows to mean; to regret or wish to have been otherwise, what one has done or left undone; to change from past evil or misconduct. Essentially, it means to turn around or have a change of mind. Biblically, it means to turn to God and turn from evil, thereby bringing one close to God and ultimately ensure salvation.
Act of “Repentance” involves making a change of mind, heart and action, by turning away from sin and self, and returning to God the creator. For one needing salvation, it means changing of the mind from rejection of Christ to faith in Christ. Ultimately, it results in the change of a person’s way of life as a result of a complete change of thoughts, attitude, behaviour and relationships. In our Today’s reading in v9, we read that the Corinthians’ sorrow led to repentance. Paul further expatiates in v10 that “godly sorrow” produces (brings about) repentance leading to salvation. It is important to mention that there is another type of sorrow, apart from the godly sorrow. Paul tells us in v10b, of a sorrow of the world, that is “worldly sorrow”. While we are already told that godly sorrow produces repentance, Paul said that the worldly sorrow produces death. In Rom. 6:23, it is said that the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God, which starts from repentance on to salvation, is eternal life in Christ Jesus.
“Godly sorrow” means being made sorry in a godly manner (v9,11), that is, according to the will or heart of God. It depicts an acute sense of sadness experienced as a result of sin committed, a heart-felt conviction about a sin(s); deep grief in the spirit; sorrow as God intends. Gladly, godly sorrow brings repentance leading to salvation. Apart from this, other benefits that resulted from godly sorrow according to Paul in v11 are; it produced diligence in them; also indignation, fear, vehement desire, zeal, vindication; clearing and explaining of themselves, and proved guiltless (1 Cor. 5).
In practical terms, godly sorrow is achieved through the help of God by the Holy Spirit. The full complement of the functions of the Holy Spirit are manifested in godly sorrow. This starts from his leading (awareness) that one needs a turn around and ultimately repentance from sin. After repentance, it becomes easy to confess and accept forgiveness for sins inherited and personally committed too. Now free, one is able to accept Jesus as Lord and Saviour. Godly sorrow is recommended for those who are still outside of the kingdom of God. It results ultimately to eternal life, instead of death which is produced by sorrow of the world (worldly sorrow). In the believer’s walk with God, godly sorrow is necessary whenever sin is committed, in order to get back and right with God.
CHRISTIE KUPOLUYI
To surrender your life to Christ, say this prayer aloud. “Father, I acknowledge my sin against You. I repent and ask for forgiveness, in the name of Jesus. I surrender to the Lordship of Jesus. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, take control of my heart and lead me in Your path of righteousness. Thank you, Lord.”
If you said the prayer, Congratulations! Prayerfully look for a living church and meet the resident reverend, pastor or priest.
Prayer:
Eternal Father, we appreciate you for your godly sorrow which you designed to lead man to repentance and salvation.
Precious Saviour, thank you for the gift of salvation you purchased with your blood and life, and you gave free to mankind.
Father, please lead by the Holy Spirit those yet to seek your free given godly sorrow, which will lead them to repentance.
Oh Lord, please wake the church up to encourage sinners to seek the godly sorrow, that will lead them to repentance.
Father, please give the leaders of our nation godly sorrow which will lead them to repentance and ultimately salvation and eternal life.
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