Sorrow Does Not Equal Repentance

Sorrow Does Not Equal Repentance

9 As it is, I rejoice, not because you were grieved, but because you were grieved into repenting. For you felt a godly grief, so that you suffered no loss through us.

10 For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death. 11 For see what earnestness this godly grief has produced in you, but also what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what longing, what zeal, what punishment!

To be grieved by something means you feel sorrow, sadness and regret. We all know that feeling. We can often make ourselves feel this way, but we can also experience this from someone or something happening. Generally, however, we don’t associate this emotion with something to “rejoice” over. That is because, even as Christians, we often remain in our sorrow, and forget to move from sorrow to repentance.

In this case the church in Corinth had received a previous letter from Paul in which he had pointed out some things they needed to work on. He showed them some areas where they were sinning. And, even though it was done in love, it still caused them to grieve. But Paul writes “ I rejoice, not because you were grieved, but because you were grieved into repenting”.

Sorrow and regret are emotions. Repentance is an action. Becoming aware of our sin and our need for Christ can be hard to hear. Realizing how imperfect we are doesn’t necessarily make us feel good. Experiencing the pain, hurt, and death that sin brought into this world is so difficult. It causes sorrow, pain, regret, despair, and sometimes even anger. And let me tell you, it is very possible to live your life from that place of grief. It is possible to remain in your sorrow and regret. In this passage Paul describes that as “worldly grief” and he says it  “produces death”.

Even as Christ followers we can miss this sometimes and remain in our hurt and sorrow. But Paul rejoices over the Corinthians because they turn TOWARD God in their grief and they take action against it! Repentance is action! Repentance is turning from our sin and sorrow TOWARD God.  Being sorry for your sins does not equal repenting for them. Sorrow is a feeling- Repentance is an action. The church is not called to live lives of sorrow but rather lives of Joy and freedom. Studying this passage I read one commentary that compared Peter and Judas. Both Peter and Judas betrayed Jesus before he was crucified. Both Peter and Judas felt the deep pain of sorrow and regret. But only Peter repented for his actions. Judas killed himself in response to his grief.

Today I feel inspired to look deeper into verses 10 and 11. “For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death. For see what earnestness this godly grief has produced in you, but also what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what longing, what zeal, what punishment!”

Feeling sorry for our sin is simply not enough, and it isn’t Good News. Repentance, turning away, and moving on from our sins is what brings salvation without regret! It produces earnestness and an eagerness to repent even more. It bring freedom. Let’s move toward this together!

Bridget