2 Corinthians 7 - What Is the Difference Between "Sorry" and "Godly Sorrow"!

2 Corinthians 7

Enduring Word Commentary

8 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— 9 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. 10 Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. 11 See what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern, what readiness to see justice done. At every point you have proved yourselves to be innocent in this matter. 12 So even though I wrote to you, it was neither on account of the one who did the wrong nor on account of the injured party, but rather that before God you could see for yourselves how devoted to us you are. 13 By all this we are encouraged.

Paul had written an earlier letter to the Church of Corinth where he raised the issue of a man who was sleeping with father's wife, usually thought of as his "stepmother". Instead of rebuking, disciplining and holding the man accountable they tolerated his sin. They may have felt bad about it before Paul but did nothing to address the issue. We call this the "sin of omission". 

It appears as if that caused the Corinthians sorrow, but it wasn;t the right kind of sorrow. Paul describes the right sorrow, "godly sorrow that lead to repentance." They weren't just sorry toward Paul but more importantly toward God. This sorrow led to repentance, which meant turning from the thing they knew was wrong. Someone can be sorry, have lots of tears, but have no intention of changing their behavior.

“In sin, the pleasure passeth, the sorrow remaineth; but in repentance, the sorrow passeth, the pleasure abideth for ever. God soon poureth the oil of gladness into broken hearts.” (Trapp)

Perhaps you have experienced the person who keeps saying sorry to you for the same thing. By the third or fourth time you almost want to ask them to spare you the drama, because actions speak louder than words. But the bottom line was Paul's letter did what it was intended to do, which was verified by Titus who Paul sent to deliver this letter. Paul knew if they mistreated Titus, it would be a sign that they hadn't taken the letter seriously nor intended to turn from their sin. 

When Paul says, "It was neither on the account of the one who did wrong, nor on account of the injured party".  This confirms the situation Paul was referring was the man sleeping with his stepmother. Overall the Corinthians proved to Paul that "actions speak louder than words". If this is the case for us, how much more is it for God. 

Personally this is why I think it is so important to have people you are accountable to. When we confess our sins publicly to another individual, I think it brings more to the table. Of course, we should confess to God, but sometimes it is easier to tell God about something than someone else. If it is the right person, a mature Christian, they won't beat you up if you fail to keep the goal you had set for yourself. Yet, like Paul a little "tough love" goes a long way. 

If the apostle Paul were to write you a letter today what would he point out? 

Where would your "godly sorrow" come from? 

Are there areas of your life where you are "sorry" but not willing to turn from the things you know are wrong? 

To say your sorry and still be stuck in your sin will never do you any good. If may make you feel a little less guilt in the short run, you will never get true peace with God!

Father, thank you that you give us the ability to be appropriately sorry for the sins we commit. First of all we sin against you and your perfect holiness. Thank you for your mercy, which we need every day, and is new every morning. But help us to have godly sorrow which leads to repentance. We make it our aim to please you and when we make a mistake help us to get back our feet and do better next time. Amen. 




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