2 Corinthians 7 Devotional

Sorrow That Turns Toward God

“Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation without regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.”2 Corinthians 7:10 (BSB)

Paul arrived in Macedonia worn out, with conflicts on the outside and fears within (7:5). Then God, who comforts the downcast, comforted him through the arrival of Titus and the news Titus brought (7:6-7). Paul's severe letter had hurt the Corinthians, and for a while he regretted sending it. Now he rejoices, not because they were hurt, but because their sorrow led them to repent (7:8-9).

Paul distinguishes two kinds of sorrow. Sorrow that comes from God produces repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, while the world's kind of sorrow produces death (7:10). One turns a person toward God. The other only turns them inward. In Corinth, godly sorrow produced earnestness, longing and zeal (7:11). Conviction of sin is not God's rejection. It is often his kindness, meant to bring his people back to him rather than leave them stuck in shame. When you feel the weight of a wrong, you can take it straight to God, who receives the repentant and comforts the downcast.

To think about: When you feel guilty, does your sorrow tend to turn you toward God or keep you circling inward, and what would turning toward him look like today?