The Joy of Repentance

“Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret.” 2 Corinthians 7:10a

I can hear her choking back tears. I wish I could give her a hug, but all I can do is try and reassure her over the phone. I try to find the right words and then 2 Corinthians comes to mind. I have shared it with many young people over the years. I ask her, “Can I share with you one of my favorite passages? I think it really applies to your heart in this situation.”

I explain to her that in this passage Paul was talking to the Corinthians about a letter he had written to them, admonishing them for their behavior.

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 – 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. Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. 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. 2 Corinthians 8:8-11

It is as if I can hear the peace grow inside her. She breathes deeply. We talk more.

Repentance is a beautiful thing, but it doesn’t feel too good in the process. Becoming aware of our sin can be devastating – and the more honest and deep the repentance, the more painful the process.

Paul describes it as godly sorrow. I love these verses and have shared them numerous times with youth as I ministered to their broken hearts.

We have all sinned so many times. Perhaps we have even received “letters” calling us on our behavior. And if we can push through our pride, past the sting of humiliation and shame, and come to repentance, then we will receive the blessings of godly sorrow.

And what a reward of joy and peace awaits us after we have confessed and repented. I can almost picture Paul bidding us to push through the sorrow – so much waits for us on the other side.

“Innocent in this matter.” Feel the forgiveness rush through you and hear the pronouncement: “Innocent.”

Please Note: During my years as a youth minister, I talked with many young people. This is a fictional account based on various experiences.