Godly Grief

2 Corinthians 7:9-10

“9 Now I rejoice, not because you were grieved, but because your grief led to repentance; for you felt a godly grief, so that you were not harmed in any way by us. 10 For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation and brings no regret, but worldly grief produces death.”

Has someone ever spoken a hard truth to you, not out of anger or judgement but because they cared for you and wanted the best for you?  Our parents did this all the time.  Our spouses probably do this.  We do, or did, this with our children as they matured and grew up.

Paul viewed the people of the churches he founded as his flock, maybe even as his children.  He was concerned for their spiritual well being and wanted the best for them, which was salvation. So, Paul’s letter to the Corinthians was a hard letter; a letter that spoke of their sins and shortcomings. He wrote of these things in the hope that they would become better Christians, not to hurt them or cause them pain.

Paul was informed by one of his assistants, Titus, that the letter had resulted in godly grief and repentance, which was the exact reaction Paul desired.  Godly grief  is rooted in love for God, and would produce true repentance and change in the Corinthians.  Worldly grief is rooted in anger and resentment and would cause division and rebellion.

The Holy Spirit confronts believers each day with their sins.  Will we react with worldly grief that will quench the Holy Spirit…or with the grief that will change us and move us closer to the image of Christ?

May the love of Christ be with you,

Rev. Eric Lanier (Retired)