Today is the eleventh day of the 25 day reading plan, One-to-One. This is talking about the difference between godly sorrow and worldly sorrow. The first is genuine and bears good fruit. The latter brings death, because there is no change, no repentance. They’re just upset they got caught. Let us try to be joyful even when we have to admit wrongdoing, because God is always gracious to forgive. Amen! Have a blessed day.
Repentance, Sorrow, and Fruit.
Real repentance begins when we are truly sorry for our sins. This “godly sorrow” makes no excuses, takes full responsibility, and never places blame on people, society, or circumstances. It acknowledges that our sin is primarily against God. Godly sorrow produces true repentance and a changed life. (2 Corinthians 7:10; Psalm 32:5)
On the other hand, “worldly sorrow” only produces excuses. While godly sorrow is having a broken heart when we realize we have offended a holy God, worldly sorrow is being sorry we got caught, or being sorry we have to suffer the consequences of sin. The ultimate difference between godly sorrow and worldly sorrow is the fruit. Worldly sorrow never produces the fruit of a changed life; it only produces spiritual death. (Acts 26:20; Matthew 3:8)
2 Corinthians 7:10. For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.
Psalm 32:5. I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord ; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah.
Acts 26:20. But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.
Matthew 3:8. Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance: