2Corinthians 7:5-11 comments: godly sorrow worketh repentance

7:5 ¶  For, when we were come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; without were fightings, within were fears. 6  Nevertheless God, that comforteth those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus; 7  And not by his coming only, but by the consolation wherewith he was comforted in you, when he told us your earnest desire, your mourning, your fervent mind toward me; so that I rejoiced the more. 8  For though I made you sorry with a letter, I do not repent, though I did repent: for I perceive that the same epistle hath made you sorry, though it were but for a season. 9  Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing. 10  For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death. 11  For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.

Titus apparently brought Paul news that the Corinthians were concerned about him. He is almost apologetic for the tough tone of his last letter. But he is glad they turned from accepting that sin in their congregation that was bringing them down. Godly sorrow bears good fruit, sorrow for your sins against God which leads to your turning from your sin. Worldly sorrow that things just didn’t work out like you thought they would works death because it just leads to more sin. Repentance comes when one is actually sorry for their sin against God, even this congregation.

The words repent and repentance don’t just carry with them an intellectual assent to something like just changing your mind. They involve a turning from something like sin or an action you were purposed to do.

Exodus 32:12  Wherefore should the Egyptians speak, and say, For mischief did he bring them out, to slay them in the mountains, and to consume them from the face of the earth? Turn from thy fierce wrath, and repent of this evil against thy people.

Jeremiah 4:28  For this shall the earth mourn, and the heavens above be black: because I have spoken it, I have purposed it, and will not repent, neither will I turn back from it.

Jeremiah 18:8  If that nation, against whom I have pronounced, turn from their evil, I will repent of the evil that I thought to do unto them.

Jeremiah 26:3  If so be they will hearken, and turn every man from his evil way, that I may repent me of the evil, which I purpose to do unto them because of the evil of their doings.

Ezekiel 14:6  Therefore say unto the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Repent, and turn yourselves from your idols; and turn away your faces from all your abominations.

Ezekiel 18:30  Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways, saith the Lord GOD. Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin.

Jonah 3:9  Who can tell if God will turn and repent, and turn away from his fierce anger, that we perish not?

Being sick of sin’s ravages on your life doesn’t guarantee you are sorry for your sin. It just means you are sorry you got caught, that your plans didn’t go well. Being sick of the reputation you have among family, friends, and society for being a sinner doesn’t mean you understand that you have sinned against a Holy Creator who has blessed you so abundantly in spite of your pride and your selfishness toward Him.

Verse 6 makes an important statement about reality we must consider. God works through people and events. He probably won’t appear to you in a whirlwind or a burning bush talking to you and giving you instructions or comfort. Be sensitive to the fact that he will change your circumstances through people he sends your way and events that happen unexpectedly. Remember what Paul said at the beginning of his letter.

2Corinthians 1:3 ¶  Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; 4  Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.

We should be aware when we feel compelled to minister to someone or when someone attempts to minister to us that God is involved and He is working in our situation.