“For Godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death.” (2 Corinthians 7:10 ESV)

           This verse distinguishes between two types of sorrow/grief Godly and worldly.  Godly is when you truly confess your sin, which leads to repentance, salvation, and no regret.  Worldly grief leads to death which is merely remorse, regret and guilt.  Your ego gets in the way.  There is really no regret, because you continue to do the very thing that is wrong again and again.  There is no blaming of yourself for past sins, mistakes or wrongdoing.

           Godly sorrow/grief is a conviction from God that motivates a change of heart and behavior (repentance—confessing your sin to God and no longer committing the sins).  It results in salvation and produces a positive, understanding and believing you truly are forgiven, that leaves with no regrets.  For you feel washes of your sins and the desire to recommit the sin is gone.

           Worldly sorrow/grief is a selfish hopeless grief that stems from losing status, money, or being caught in the act of sin/wrongdoing.  It is a selfish, pride-based regret over consequences that leads to despair and regret.  It lacks true repentance and instead of bringing you closer to God, it leads you to spiritual death and guilt.

When you truly believe you are wrong for what you have done and you go to God asking for forgiveness, your sins are forgiven—you are forgiven.   Godly sorrow/grief focuses on reconciliation with God, while worldly sorrow/grief focuses on SELF.  When guilt emerges from a sin you committed and you truly repent, guilt is gone and you are right with God.  The hard part is believing you are truly, undeniable and absolutely forgiven. God Bless.  Amen.

denise