Day 199/260: Read 2 Corinthians 7

When you get caught doing something wrong, are you sorry you did it, or sorry you got caught? Paul wrote to the church at Corinth about “godly sorrow” that “produces repentance leading to salvation.” The church was confronted with sin, and because of their godly sorrow, they changed their ways.

When one is just sorry he got caught, though, he doesn’t change. He just finds ways to hide his sin. Or his heart hardens so that it doesn’t even bother him to do it in the open.

Yet godly sorrow, the kind that leads to repentance and then to salvation, has an impact on a person that goes far beyond getting caught. Godly sorrow causes one to be more diligent in his faithfulness, examining himself to be sure he is walking according to the will of God. Godly sorrow causes indignation—getting mad at sin in one’s own life and at the encouragement and tolerance of sin in society. Godly sorrow produces fear, knowing that one who remains in sin is separated from God. What a terrifying thought! Godly sorrow produces desire and zeal to vindicate oneself, to get back into right standing with the Almighty.

Confronting sin should never be done in order to embarrass one who has fallen into temptation; the aim should be the restoration of that person’s relationship with God.

Memory (Fill in the blanks)

2 Corinthians 9:7. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.

Pray

Pray for forgiveness for your own shortcomings, and for wisdom in helping others to get on the right track.