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2 Corinthians Chapter 7 

Scripture: 
Even if I caused you sorrow by my letter, I do not regret it. Though I did regret it—I see that my letter hurt you, but only for a little while— yet now I am happy, not because you were made sorry, but because your sorrow led you to repentance. For you became sorrowful as God intended and so were not harmed in any way by us. Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. See what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern, what readiness to see justice done. At every point you have proved yourselves to be innocent in this matter. (2 Corinthians 7:8-11) 


Observation: 
This chapter is referencing a letter to the church of Corinth, sent by Paul in a matter of church discipline. He had to correct them on some issues they had and he was worried that they would take his instruction badly. It turns out, that the report back was good because their reaction lead to a change for the better even though it hurt them at the time. 

Then Paul points out the difference between worldly sorrow and Godly sorrow. Worldly sorrow does nothing but make you FEEL (guilty, sad, anger etc. and those emotions often lead you to behavior that you end up regretting). Godly sorrow however isn't about feelings but about change. It produces a change in thinking and behavior. 

Application: 
Here's my pointy question on the topic. Have you ever been chastised by someone in the body or corrected for something you've said or done? Did the confrontation result in anger, bitterness, division, or defensiveness? Or did it result in a turning from selfishness (sin) and embracing the desire to be more like Jesus? 


Prayer: 
Father I pray for unity within the body of Christ, that we would obey you first and then encourage one another, bear one another's burdens, and gently correct one another; give us the courage to conform our will to yours. Amen