Scripture: “Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.” (2 Corinthians 7:10, NIV)
Observation: I love this verse, but I struggle with it. I love that God, in all His perfection, is not a God of shame and excessive guilt trips. Too often, I punish myself for sins that God has long-since forgiven. God says that proper guilt–“godly sorrow”–motivates me to repent and live in abundance. But shame isn’t from the Lord. Shame keeps me in bondage, and leads to death.
Application: When “worldly sorrow” threatens to overwhelm, it’s good to remember God’s truth. “He does not treat us as our sins deserve, or repay us according to our iniquities.” (Psalm 103:10) God forgives the sin, removes the guilt, and restores the joy of His salvation. Anything less–even the slightest hint of shame–falls short of the life Christ died to give.
Prayer: God, You want my sorrow to lead to a restored relationship with You–not to a heart weighed down by shame. Thank You that, in Christ, I can live a life of joy and freedom–a life of “no regrets”. Amen.
amystorms
Sixty-six books in a year 