Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. 2 Corinthians 7:10 NIV
This was part of a letter written to the church in Corinth. Of great importance is the context in which these words are written. Paul had just warned the church about unequal yokes and being separate from the world. Paul had to warn the church about the dangers of the times they were in.
The same message is apt for this present season. It appears that compromise is convenient and easy; it appears that blending in is easier than standing out. The world makes sin attractive, yet God's view about sin has not changed since the fall of man in the Garden of Eden. Death has always been the consequence of sin, and it will remain so as long as God remains the Lord of the earth.
God provides a way out of sin. He asks us to make the approach and come to Him, and He will forgive, cleanse us from all blemishes and restore us. All He requires is a heart that is truly sorry and is committed to living right. When I am truly sorry for sin, His salvation is near. When I confess my sin, I receive mercy and forgiveness. There is no regret for asking God to come into my heart and make me a new man.
Of course, the opposite too is true. If I do not truly repent of my sin and go to God, I must be ready to live with the consequences of my decision. Worldly sorrow only focuses on the external, giving the appearance of soberness, without the true change that happens first on the inside, then manifests on the outside. Of course, any change that does not affect the inner man is cosmetic, and will only lead to eternal death. The life that God wants us to have is one that never dies, and the only way to have it is to have that Life living inside you. Do you have Him? Does He know you as His own? His time of favour is here.
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