To the church of Corinth, the inspired apostle Paul explained, “For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death” (2 Corinthians 7:10).  The sorrow of the world does not lead to a changed attitude toward sin.  It is a grief over the predicaments in which sin leads. Feeling sorry for oneself leads to a sinful selfishness not a cessation of sin.

Cain murdered his brother, but the only sorrow he expressed in the Biblical account is a lament over how great his punishment was, how miserable his life as a vagabond would be, and how vengeful people would seek to murder him (Genesis 4:13-14).  Esau was upset over the loss of his birthright and blessing; however, it was because he was a profane person—treating that which was to be highly regarded as if it were nothing—that he agreed to sell his birthright  (Hebrews 12:16-17).  His feeling sorry for himself led him to comfort himself by plotting to murder Jacob (Genesis 27:42).  Judas wanted to return the money he made in betraying Christ, but his sorrow led him to hang himself instead of seeking Christ’s forgiveness (Matthew 27:3-5; cf. John 17:12).

The repentance of Peter stands in stark contrast to the case of Judas.  Peter wept bitterly (Luke 22:62).  His sorrow led him to do as Jesus prayed: turn to the Lord and strengthen his brethren (Luke 22:32).  This is the proper sadness: godly sorrow that leads to repentance (2 Corinthians 7:10).  This sorrow leads to a vastly different outcome than the sorrow of the world.  The contrast between the two is seen vividly in those who were “pricked in their heart” in Acts 2:37 and those “cut to the heart” in Acts 7:54.  The former felt guilt and were moved to obey Peter’s command to repent and be baptized (Acts 2:38, 41).  The latter felt bad, but lashed out at Stephen, stoning him (Acts 7:57-59).

Godly sorrow is necessary to our salvation.  It brings us to the point where we determine to change our attitude and practice in regard to sin.  If we did not have godly sorrow, our hearts would be callused.  We would be “past feeling” (Ephesians 4:19) and having our “conscience seared with a hot iron” (1 Timothy 4:2).  Be broken up over your sins.  Let the guilt you experience move you to repentance, lest you become cold-hearted and unable to respond to God’s mercy.  “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise” (Psalm 51:17).

-Mark Day