TWO FORMS OF SORROW
2 CORINTHIANS 7:10-11 NKJV
10 For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death. 11 For observe this very thing, that you sorrowed in a godly manner: What diligence it produced in you, what clearing of yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what vehement desire, what zeal, what vindication! In all things you proved yourselves to be clear in this matter.
In our efforts to eradicate anything that would cause unhappiness, many hold to the mantra that all sadness is bad. But according to our verses for today, not all sad is bad. There are two forms of sorrow.
Paul had earlier written to the Corinthian church regarding a man who had taken his father's wife. His letter regarding this bad situation made the church sad. But as Paul references in verse ten, it was a godly sorrow. And that godly sorrow led to repentance. And repentance is a good thing.
Correction is rarely ever enjoyable and often causes sorrow of heart. But if the correction is godly correction, it can lead to godly sorrow. This is where we feel sorry that we were displeasing to the Lord. Then we go to the Lord in sincere repentance and make changes. All this is good.
And typically, this form of sorrow does not last long. Once we repent and receive forgiveness from the Lord, the Holy Spirit is right there to comfort us.
Paul acknowledged that the sorrow the Corinthians felt produced the right emotions. They made serious corrections and got things right. Godly sorrow produced an indignation, desire, zeal, and vindication. We have to hand it to this church for taking Paul's correction seriously and coming clear of their infractions.
Now contrast godly sorrow with the sorrow of the world. Worldly sorrow is that which is felt at the loss of a possession, a regret over a past mistake, or an unmet expectation. There is a myriad of things in this world that can cause this kind of sorrow. But this kind of sorrow produces nothing good. This worldly sorrow can create a bad day or a sour view of life. This kind of sorrow is behind so much of the mental health issues people struggle with. The good news is that God can help us when we experience worldly sorrow. In verse six of this chapter, Paul mentions that God comforts the downcast. Thank God for His help! We do not have to live consistently dominated by the sorrow of the world.
APPLICATION:
I have extensive experience in both kinds of sorrow. Years ago the sorrow of the world led to bouts of depression, and there is no life in that. I am very grateful for the Lord's help in delivering me from this debilitating condition.
And I have experienced godly sorrow. I can't say that it felt good, but I can say that it stimulated repentance and change. I sorrowed in a godly way for words I have said and things I have done that I knew were displeasing to the Lord. But when I repented and made changes, the Lord was gracious to help me. The joy of the Lord is our strength, so we want to get things right as soon as possible.
So when you feel bad that you have missed it in some area, don't run from God. Run to Him. Allow godly sorrow to work good things in you. Repent, make the necessary changes, and clear yourself. That's how to see the joy of the Lord return.
And if you are dealing with the sorrow of the world, ask the Lord for His wisdom and comfort. He can bring a peace to your heart that washes the world's sorrow away.
PRAYER:
Thank you, Lord, for a sorrow that leads me to repent and change. I am grateful to know You are not keeping me down and that You will help me. And thank You for comforting my heart from the sorrow of the world.