BIBLE READING: Proverb 19; 20 ; 21; 2 Corinthians 7
“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” 2 Corinthians 7:11 (KJV).
Not all sorrow is bad, the normal sorrow we are used to is feeling bad for something, say an evil thing or a misfortune that happened. Not one like that kind of sorrow that inflict so much negative emotional pain. When people are bereaved of a loved one, there is so much pain and sorrow in their heart. At such times, the scriptures admonish that we identify with their pains by weepng with them. However, there is a kind of sorrow that produces positive result of cleansing and creating a healthy spiritual atmosphere. This is called godly sorrow. It is a case of deep remorse often associated with weeping and groaning in acknowledgement of one’s sin. It is a bad feeling that one has hurt the loving father and grieved the Holy spirit.
Godly sorrow is different from regret or feeling bad that one has been caught and put to shame. It is not about one’s ego but about God’s feeling, it is a bad feeling for disappointing and disobeying God. The sinner pours out his heart in sincere repentance and pleads for forgiveness. Godly sorrow gives no room for excuses or self defence. It comes with a broken heart and a contrite spirit which attracts God’s mercy and forgiveness. Our God is so merciful that he does not despise such genuine repentance
.PRAYER : Lord, help me to maintain such contrite spirit before you in Jesus name.
Rev. Vincent Diolu