“For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death. For see what earnestness this godly grief has produced in you, but also what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what longing, what zeal, what punishment! At every point you have proved yourselves innocent in the matter.” (2 Corinthians 7:10-11)
Godly grief is made up of at least the following elements:
- A realization that someone has been injured / hurt by my actions / words.
- A genuine regret for the injury that has been caused.
- A determination to rectify the situation as quickly as possible.
- A resolve not to repeat the offense.
In 2 Corinthians 7:11 Paul emphasizes the way godly grief not only produces repentance, it produces the desire to deal with the situation quickly! Godly grief produces speed. For observe this very thing, that you sorrowed in a godly manner: What diligence it produced in you, what clearing of yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what vehement desire, what zeal, what vindication! In all things you proved yourselves to be clear in this matter. 2 Cor. 7:11
If I realize that I have hurt you, and I am sorry about it, I will make it right as quickly as I can (cf. Matt. 5:23-24).
Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. Matt. 5:23-24I
f I realize that I am a sinner in need of salvation—that my sin has separated me from God and I stand condemned before Him (Isa. 59:2)—if I am sorry about it, I will make it right as quickly as I can (cf. Acts 16:25-33).
But your iniquities have separated you from your God; And your sins have hidden His face from you, So that He will not hear. Isaiah 59:2
