WHEN YOU SIN HOW DO YOU SORROW?
I want to wish each of you a happy Memorial Day. Every American needs to stop and give thanks for those who gave their lives that we might remain free. We owe these heroes a great amount of gratitude.
2 Corinthians 7:10, "For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death."
Two types of sorrow are mentioned in this verse: godly sorrow and the sorrow of the world or worldly sorrow.
Godly sorrow is a sorrow that flows out of respect for God and the teachings of His Word. This kind of sorrow produces repentance (a change of heart and direction) that leads to salvation, and it is not to be regretted. This sorrow is according to God's will, but the sorrow of the world produces death. Some people are only sorry because of the consequence, but not because their sin is offensive to God.
Our sorrow needs to find its origin, first and foremost, in respect to God. Because of His character, His sacrifice, His holiness, His love, His mercy, His grace, His faithfulness, God deserves that we live right. If we don't it should lead us to a place of sorrow which leads to repentance.
Notice the examples of godly sorrow in the life of David in the following verses: Psalm 38:18, "...I will declare mine iniquity; I will be sorry for my sin." Psalm 51:3-4, "...I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight..."
May God help us to be sorrowful because of sin. May we then repent and get right with Him.
Your Friend and HIS,
Pastor Abbott
MEDITATIONS
1. How would you describe your acts of repentance?
2. How often do you find a need to repent?
3. Contrast godly sorrow with worldly sorrow based upon your understanding from today’s text.