“Yet now I am happy, not because you were made sorry, but because your sorrow led you to repentance . . . Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.”

2 CORINTHIANS 7:9, 10

Driving a car in the wrong direction on a one-way street is dangerous (not to mention foolish!). Some drive the wrong way on a one-way street out of ignorance. Others do it out of rebellion. There is a spiritual parallel.

Whether out of ignorance or rebellion, we are all on a dangerous one-way street that will ultimately lead to eternal separation from God. Until we turn around (repent) and begin following Christ, every step we take is a step in the wrong direction—a step away from God.

The parable of the prodigal son is a beautiful picture of true repentance. The wayward son came to his senses, turned his back on his folly, and returned to his father.

He made a 180-degree turnaround. He walked away from his former life of sin and rebellion. From that point on, he lived differently. Of course, his father received him back. (See Luke 15:11–24.)

GODLY SORROW

Real repentance begins when we are truly sorry for our sins. This “godly sorrow” makes no excuses. It takes full responsibility. It never places blame on people, society, or circumstances. Godly sorrow acknowledges that our sin is primarily against God. This type of sorrow leads to life-changing repentance.

“Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you are proved right when you speak and justified when you judge.”

PSALM 51:4

“Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.”

2 CORINTHIANS 7:10

WORLDLY SORROW

Godly sorrow produces true repentance and a changed life. On the other hand, “worldly sorrow” only produces excuses. Godly sorrow is having a broken heart when we realize we have offended a holy God.

Worldly sorrow is being sorry we got caught, or being sorry we have to suffer the consequences of sin. The ultimate difference between godly sorrow and worldly sorrow is the fruit. Worldly sorrow never produces the fruit of a changed life; it only produces spiritual death.

“I preached that they should repent and turn to God and prove their repentance by their deeds.”

ACTS 26:20

“Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.”

MATTHEW 3:8

NO REGRET

Repentance is turning away from sin and turning to God. It means we stop trusting in our own good deeds and religious activity and start trusting in Christ alone. We were going in the wrong direction; now, we are going in the right direction.

We were running from God; now we are walking with him. Repentance is the starting point of a new life. Repentance takes us off the treadmill of a self-centered life and puts us on the fast track of God’s glorious purpose for our lives. Turning to God means no looking back and no regrets.

“Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.”

ACTS 3:19

“Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret . . .”

2 CORINTHIANS 7:10

Personal Application

Is your life going in a new direction?

Are there sinful areas in your life that are still a struggle?

Are there areas of intense temptation or consistent weakness that you need prayer for?

Are there sins that you have turned away from, yet you still feel condemned about?