“For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death.” 2 Corinthians 7:10 (ESV)
What is the difference between these two types of grief Paul is writing about to the Corinthians? First we need to know that they are both tied to sin. Paul is writing about the grief that follows sin, and what fruit it will bear in us depending upon the type of grief and our reaction to it. The first type of grief is “godly grief” which is when an act of sin brings us to our knees in sorrow and repentance by seeing that disobedience as a wedge that has been placed between us and our Lord. The second grief is a “worldly grief” which may mean we have no care at all after considering the act of our sin, or only feel guilt or shame based on the world around us (societal standards, peer pressure, etc.), and find ourselves non-repentant for that act of sin. These two types of grief have enormously different outcomes as they will either lead us further to God or further from Him. Godly grief and repentance will have us seeking forgiveness and desiring to live more righteously and following His Word and will; and worldly grief may only be brief before we “move on” and continue in a pattern of sinful living. When you recognize sin in your life, what type of grief are you experiencing from it?
Jessica Ford
Communications Director
Alive Ministries USA