2 Corinthians 7:10 “For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death.” (ESV)

Ever get that sick feeling in your stomach? What did I do? What will happen? What will people think if I get caught?

You’ve experienced worldly grief.

You lay in bed with zero chance of sleep. You play over and over in your head what happened. You start changing what happened, spinning it for yourself, preparing for the inevitable conversations that must take place and give yourself the best look possible.

It wasnt really my fault you see? I really had no choice.

Now, whether you ‘get caught’ or not, can you see from where you sit right now that this only brought you death? Can you see while your eyes are open how this thinking leads straight to death: condemnation, shame, fear, loathing.  And Hebrews 10:26-31!!!

Godly grief on the other hand leads straight to repentance. “‘I’ sinned. I must go to Jesus.” I sinned and I must seek reconciliation: reconciliation with God and with those whom I have offended. 

Repentance is the acknowledgment that ‘I’ sinned. Followed by a genuine desire to make it right. Accompanied by a desire to forsake that sin: never do it again. This path, and no other leads to salvation.

Salvation means of course dying and going to Heaven. And, crucially, it means deliverance from all the self-loathing and excuse making that is death from worldly grief. 

Christian: when you find yourself in the throws of worldly grief, stop it! Repent. Confess that sin to God then to some mature brother or sister who has the spiritual authority to bless and guide you. (See what I wrote recently on James 5:16!) 

Your flesh will tell you: You can’t confess! You’ll be shamed You’ll die!

No you wont. In fact, God promises (James 5:16) that you will be healed. Trust the process even though great pain may come of it! You cant confess trust the process because the Promise from the Person will not fail!

Praise Jesus!!!