Monday 20th June - 2 Corinthians 7

Today’s chapter is 2 Corinthians 7, you can read it here

Tom writes:

Godly sorrow and worldly sorrow look very similar to each other. One is like a pat on the belly, the other like a punch in the gut. Strangely enough, whether the sorrow is a pat or a punch is down to the person feeling the sorrow, not the one who causes it. Let’s imagine you tell me my writing on these passages is superficial and boring. That would hurt me. I’ve put a lot of effort into these things. I’d feel harassed on the outside and fearful within. I’d feel sorrow. Then in my sorrow I turn to God, seeking his affirmation and care. I also submit my writing to trusted friends, asking them to tell me if your comments hold truth. Assuming I stay in a place of Godly sorrow I will be open to what I hear. Either my writing will improve or I’ll realise you are right and that God has other things for me to do. Due to the godliness of my sorrow, your foul and vicious statement (how could you have said such a thing?!) is actually used by the Lord to bring more Kingdom into this world. Now imagine I responded to your statement with worldly sorrow. I’d also start by feeling hurt. I’d also start by feeling harassed on the outside and fearful within.

But then, instead of running to the God of all comfort, instead of taking it to trusted friends, I decide to stew on your judgement. Depending on my personality I might feel anger and get bitter or feel crushed and get depressed. Either way I will probably reduce the effort I put into my writing. Almost certainly your comment will have worsened our relationship (I won’t be asking you for your foul and vicious opinions any time soon). My response to your statement brings a bit of relational death into our lives. And so, to know the difference between godly sorrow and worldly sorrow is incredibly equipping. A community with a few people who practise godly sorrow is infinitely more healthy than one full of worldly sorrow people. Families with parents who practise godly sorrow can normally cope with most things. Even the harshest response can be an opportunity for growth. Understanding godly sorrow also helps us when we need to confront someone else over some of their stuff. Without giving us licence to be cruel we can know that a wound from a friend can actually be good. If we can help people respond with godly sorrow to our rebuke then we can actually be leading them into life and peace.

Question for reflection

When you feel sorrow do you a) try to ignore it and just move on, b) stew on it in yourself or c) process it with God in prayer, leading to growth and Kingdom Come?