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: 11

When Paul learned of all the issues going on in the church at Corinth, he was not very happy, to say the least.

Because within their community was division, sexual immorality, legal disputes, and other practices that were way out of sync with the Spirit of Christ. 

And Paul didn’t hold back from admonishing them at all in his first letter (1 Corinthians). 

In 2 Corinthians, Paul states that at first, he regretted being so tough. But he quickly realized that his correction brought about more good than harm. 

Because if what he said caused the people to repent and stand even firmer in Christ than before, it was worth it. 

A lot of times, we don’t need someone to write us a 10-page letter for us to feel sorrowful about our actions.

When we’ve missed the mark, guilt, shame, and regret can envelop us like a cloud of smoke.

But the fact that we feel sorrow at all, ironically, is something we should be joyful about.

Because if we lived in sin without any remorse, never reflecting on our actions, what would propel us to repent and strengthen our relationship with God?

And if we never did anything wrong, then Jesus’ death on the cross was meaningless and we would all be in the position to boast about our character.

So we must understand that sometimes sin is the instrument God uses to draw us into a deeper relationship with Him. 

If you’re currently battling remorse or beating yourself up for something you’ve done, understand that with true repentance comes strength and solid conviction.

As we continue to grow in the Spirit, we should not allow our mistakes to paralyze us.

Rather, we should be empowered by Christ as move into a deeper relationship with God.

Be blessed,

Alexia

Prayer: God, I’m so thankful for your Son Jesus. Because of your love and grace, I’m not paralyzed and destroyed by my sins but redeemed and refined in the Spirit. Right now, I repent of my sins and pray that you would strengthen me to strive for complete holiness so that others who observe me will turn to you and give you the glory. In Jesus’ Name, I pray, Amen.