GODLY SORROW: THE WAY TO TRUE REPENTANCE

“I’m sorry” is a phrase that we likely use often as we go about daily activities. We might have accidentally bumped into someone, unintentionally got into someone’s way, or mistook another’s item as our own. These apologetic moments tend to be fleeting, we acknowledge and quickly move on, and hardly remember them afterwards. 

Then there are times where we feel deeper levels of sorrow - for instance after lashing out in anger with hurtful words/actions at a loved one in a way we would not usually do, and deeply regretting it afterwards. This often sticks much longer than the fleeting moments above, usually prompting some sort of mental resolve not to do that again in future.

Considering the spectrum of different levels of sorrow, we realise that sorrow does serve some kind of purpose. It can help avoid escalation of arguments or anger, spur us to become better in our own words and actions, or even contribute to mending relationships. On the flip side, we have also heard of people in the world “dying of a broken heart”, or drowning their sorrows in alcohol or illegal substances. So sorrow can also be detrimental if taken to certain extremes or if it leads to behaving in ways contrary to what God intended. 

In our world today, sorrow tends to be something to be avoided - generally with negative connotations. We tend to see phrases like “good vibes only” or “be happy always”. It is true that feeling joy can be a positive emotion encouraged as part of Christian living. When the apostle Paul was writing to the churches of Galatia, after mentioning the works of the flesh to be avoided (in Chapter 5 of Galatians), he stated “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23). 

However, what about feeling sorrow? Can there be a purpose for that? The Bible reveals that there are different types of sorrow - worldly sorrow and godly sorrow, the latter being a kind of sorrow that can be redemptive rather than destructive. The apostle Paul gives the clearest insight into this when he was writing to the church at Corinth -  “Now I rejoice, not that you were made sorry, but that your sorrow led to repentance. For you were made sorry in a godly manner, that you might suffer loss from us in nothing. For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.” (2 Corinthians 7:9-10)

The believers at Corinth responded to Paul’s rebuke with humility and remorse over their sin. It was a deep recognition of how their actions had wounded their relationship with God, and that godly sorrow led them to repentance and ultimately salvation. 

The Difference Between Godly and Worldly Sorrow

It is important to note though, that there is a stark contrast between godly sorrow and worldly sorrow. One example of worldly sorrow can be seen in Judas, the disciple who betrayed Jesus. In Matthew 27:3-5, it reads: ‘Then Judas, His betrayer, seeing that He had been condemned, was remorseful and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, saying, “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.” And they said, “What is that to us? You see to it!” Then he threw down the pieces of silver in the temple and departed, and went and hanged himself.’

Judas clearly felt sorry for having betrayed Jesus for financial gain. So much so that he even gave up the pieces of silver. However, it was worldly sorrow that grieved over the consequences of his actions and possibly sadness over being exposed. He felt remorse but not repentance — his guilt consumed him, and he ended his life in despair, a worldly action that went against God.

Peter, on the other hand, also failed Jesus when he denied Him three times. Yet his response was different. Luke 22:62 records, “So Peter went out and wept bitterly.” His crying was not just regret over what he had done, but deep anguish over having broken the heart of his Lord. That godly sorrow led to repentance and later, Jesus lovingly restored him in John 21:15–17 after He was raised from the dead. Peter was called to “feed His lambs”, “tend His sheep” and ultimately die for the cause of Christ in a way that would glorify God. Godly sorrow points us back to God and godly actions. It humbles us, awakens our conscience, and produces genuine transformation.

The Fruit of Godly Sorrow

Godly sorrow produces fruit — a changed life. Paul commended the Corinthians, saying their godly sorrow had produced qualities that became a catalyst for growth - “For observe this very thing, that you sorrowed in a godly manner: What diligence it produced in you, what clearing of yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what vehement desire, what zeal, what vindication! In all things you proved yourselves to be clear in this matter.” (2 Corinthians 7:11)

When we experience godly sorrow, we become more sensitive to sin and more eager to please God and depend on Him. It purifies our hearts and makes us convicted to do the right thing according to the will of God.

Conclusion

Godly sorrow is not about dwelling in guilt but walking toward true repentance, restoration, and renewal. While worldly sorrow leads to death, Godly sorrow leads to a life reconciled with God and transformed by His grace and mercy.

Therefore, let us not harden our hearts when striving to overcome sin and walk in the light. Let us respond as David did in Psalms 51:17 - “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, A broken and a contrite heart— These, O God, You will not despise.”

When our hearts are contrite in Godly sorrow, it will produce true repentance leading to salvation.

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Ask Myself:

1. What is the difference between Godly sorrow and worldly sorrow?

2. What was one example of godly sorrow in the Bible that led to repentance?

3. How can we support one another to have godly sorrow leading to repentance?

Suggested Answers:

1. Godly sorrow produces genuine repentance and turning away from sin, which leads to salvation. Worldly sorrow however, leads to regrets and ultimately death.

“Now I rejoice, not that you were made sorry, but that your sorrow led to repentance. For you 

were made sorry in a godly manner, that you might suffer loss from us in nothing. For godly 

sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the 

world produces death.” (2 Corinthians 7:9-10)

2. The apostle Peter denied Jesus three times and had godly sorrow afterwards (Luke 22:62) which led to repentance and ultimately restoration as a passionate disciple of Christ (John 21:15-17).

3. You may discuss this with the writer or your Bible class teacher.