- 2 Corinthians 7:9 - Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing.
- 2 Corinthians 7:10 - For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.
Guilt comes in two forms: one drives us to hide, the other leads us to repentance. Researchers have found that when people feel guilty, they often report feeling punished, discouraged, worthless, rejected, and isolated. Many speak of a powerful sense of worthlessness—there is no joy, no hope, no zest for life. It is as if guilt overshadows everything in their lives. Living this way is very heavy. Nevertheless, most of us have felt these things at some point in our lives. So, let's consider a simple question: Where does this sense of guilt come from? 2 Corinthians 7:10 talks about two kinds of sorrow. The first is godly sorrow. This sorrow, which leads to repentance, is one of the means the Lord uses to draw unbelievers to Himself through salvation in Christ. It also prompts believers to confess anything that hinders their fellowship with the Lord. The second type of sorrow leaves a person in regret and despair. This sorrow is not from God; it comes from the world. Instead of repentance, it paralyzes the person; instead of drawing us closer to God, it drives us to hide and convinces us that we have gone too far and that restoration is impossible. If you have accepted Jesus' free gift of salvation but are still struggling under the attack of guilt, listen to this assurance that the Scriptures give you: This sense of guilt that leads to despair and hiding is not from God. God knows the way to set you free. In Christ, you are forgiven and you are free.
Reflection
Does the guilt you are feeling lead you to repent before God, or does it cause you to hide from Him?
