Good Grief

For the kind of sorrow God wants us to experience leads us away from sin and results in salvation. There’s no regret for that kind of sorrow. But worldly sorrow, which lacks repentance, results in spiritual death.

2 Corinthians 7:10

AT THE BEGINNING OF A NEW YEAR, many people look back at the previous twelve months with some regrets. A relationship that went bad. Words that should—or shouldn’t—have been said. A risk not taken. These regrets may turn into grief and affect the way we live.

Grief is a common emotion as we face the difficulties of life. But grief can either be helpful or harmful.

Godly grief, as the apostle Paul calls it, brings about repentance and change for the better as we live for God. Godly grief doesn’t last long, but its impact can be life changing. Grappling with godly sorrow can help to deepen our resolve to live right and give us a greater appreciation for God’s grace.

Feelings of guilt induced by Satan last longer and only bring us down. We know that our sorrow is “worldly” when we struggle to move out of it. When you just feel like you’re in a slump or like you’re worthless, that’s a sign that your enemy the devil is at work.

Paul puts it this way in 2 Corinthians 7:10: “For the kind of sorrow God wants us to experience leads us away from sin and results in salvation. There’s no regret for that kind of sorrow. But worldly sorrow, which lacks repentance, results in spiritual death.” God doesn’t want us to get caught up in guilt and regrets. Sure, we need to learn from the past. But instead of dwelling on past failures, we should look forward to godly successes. God doesn’t hold a grudge against us.

BOTTOM LINE

What regrets are bogging you down? Ask God to help you learn from those mistakes and serve Him with renewed energy and confidence.

Moment of Strength: Philippians 3:12-14