Godly Sorrow

Godly Sorrow

Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.

2 Corinthians 7:10 NIV

My Mother always had a lot of standard mom lectures in her repertoire. They included gems like “Don’t chew with your mouth open,” “Don’t just stand there with the refrigerator door open,” and “That’s why I told you to bring a jacket.” My wife, an excellent Mom in my opinion, had some more serious material like “Are you really sorry or just sorry you got caught?” I think that one is the one that applies to so many situations when we read about celebrities and politicians who get caught in some kind of scandalous situation. We see them having to face the court of public opinion as they shed a few tears, and we wonder if they really see the error in their ways or if they’re just quoting from a script that was given to them by their highly paid public relations person.

The words of 2 Corinthians sum it up best. When we’ve done the wrong thing and created a mess, do we experience godly sorrow or worldly sorrow? Godly sorrow recognizes that we’ve sinned against God, but also that He can bring restoration and healing. While earthly sorrow tells us there’s no escape, no restoration, and that we’re doomed. Godly sorrow brings healing and worldly sorrow brings death.

Look at the difference between Judas and Peter. Both betrayed Jesus leading up to His crucifixion. Judas delivered Him to the Roman soldiers for thirty pieces of silver. Peter denied knowing Him three times out of fear. One of them hung himself in a field. The other went running to meet Jesus the next time he saw Him. What was the difference?

Later Judas regretted what he’d done because he tried to return the silver pieces, but it was too late and he ended up taking his life because of his remorse. But then in John 21, we read that Peter was so overcome when he finally was in Jesus’ presence again that he jumped out of the boat to meet Him.

Judas felt remorse, but Peter understood repentance. That’s the key.

God knows you’re going to mess up. Humans have been messing up God’s plans and betraying His love since the dawn of time. It’s in our nature. We do it despite all our good intentions. Sometimes it’s easier to grab what we think we want instead of waiting for what He has for us. We want to do it our way because we have an enemy that knows how to make the wrong choice look so appealing that we can forget everything we know in one impulsive moment.

But here’s what I know for sure: God never wants you to choose the sorrow of the world that leads to death because He’s always pursuing you, no matter how far you’ve fallen, no matter how much you’ve messed things up, and offers you the chance to repent. And not only do you have the opportunity to repent, but He also redeems what you’ve broken because that’s how much He loves you. He never gives up on you because He wants you to live in a way that you run to meet Him when you see Him, no matter how far away you’ve been. Don’t you think it’s time to let God know that you’re ready for a second chance? He’s waiting to give it to you now!

Thank you for reading Pastor Dale’s Mid-Week Encouragement. It’s not copyrighted so feel free to share it with someone who needs encouragement today. And, if you’re a regular attender of the Mt. Laurel Church of God or regularly watch the live feed, consider reading Romans 10:5-15 to get ready to worship this coming Sunday, August 9 as Pastor Dale shares some good news from God’s Word for you.


Called to know the Way, go the Way, and show you the Way,

^{Pastor Dale}

Pastor Dale (PD) and Pamela his wife are honored to serve the Mt. Laurel Church of God. If this Mid-Week Encouragement has helped you, perhaps it may encourage someone else. Feel free to share this message with anyone you choose. And if you'd like to receive PD's Mid-Week Encouragement, just send an email to (kingdomguy@gmail.com) and I'll accommodate your request.