2 Corinthians 7:2-16
For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death. – 2 Corinthians 7:10
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In 2 Corinthians 7:2–16, Paul expresses his deep love and joy toward the Corinthian church. While in Macedonia, he faced many difficulties and inner struggles, but was greatly comforted by Titus’s arrival. Even more so, he was moved when he learned that the Corinthians had responded to his earlier letter with repentance. Paul writes that there is a kind of sorrow that comes from God. He describes it as a “godly grief” that leads to repentance and real transformation. This sorrow does not destroy, but brings restoration. It softens the heart, changes behaviour, and renews one’s relationship with Christ.
As we approach the close of 2025, Foochow Methodist Church continues to live out the Lord’s mission. In the coming Advent season, the church is preparing to send a mission team to Cambodia and to organise Christmas carolling and evangelistic outreach to share the good news of Jesus. Yet many of us know the discouragement that can come from repeated attempts to share the gospel. The cold responses or rejections of unbelievers can make us feel disheartened, even leading us to doubt our adequacy or question whether we are fit to share the gospel at all.
But this kind of sorrow is not a sign of failure. It may be the very beginning of the Holy Spirit’s work in our hearts. The power of the gospel does not depend on our perfection but on God’s mighty grace. We are merely vessels, and when we offer ourselves to God, He can work wonders through us.
When we turn back to Jesus in humility, no longer seeking human approval but relying on His strength, we begin to see that evangelism is not about persuasion or performance, but about sharing our genuine experience of Christ’s love and transformation.
Godly sorrow can become the starting point of repentance, leading us to depend more deeply on the Lord. When we share the gospel with sincerity and compassion, our words become a living testimony. To follow Christ’s mission is not to rely on our strength, but on His grace, and on the mutual encouragement and support of His church.
Reflection:
Have I ever experienced godly sorrow that led me to repentance and renewal? Am I willing to be a “Titus” to others, being a messenger of comfort and good news?
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for reminding me through Paul’s letter that godly sorrow is for my good. Soften my heart to receive correction and to walk in repentance under Your light. Please help me to live with sincerity and generosity, and to be a source of comfort in the lives of others. May I, like the Corinthian church, grow through repentance and bring glory to You through obedience. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Click to Read
In 2 Corinthians 7:2–16, Paul expresses his deep love and joy toward the Corinthian church. While in Macedonia, he faced many difficulties and inner struggles, but was greatly comforted by Titus’s arrival. Even more so, he was moved when he learned that the Corinthians had responded to his earlier letter with repentance. Paul writes that there is a kind of sorrow that comes from God. He describes it as a “godly grief” that leads to repentance and real transformation. This sorrow does not destroy, but brings restoration. It softens the heart, changes behaviour, and renews one’s relationship with Christ.
As we approach the close of 2025, Foochow Methodist Church continues to live out the Lord’s mission. In the coming Advent season, the church is preparing to send a mission team to Cambodia and to organise Christmas carolling and evangelistic outreach to share the good news of Jesus. Yet many of us know the discouragement that can come from repeated attempts to share the gospel. The cold responses or rejections of unbelievers can make us feel disheartened, even leading us to doubt our adequacy or question whether we are fit to share the gospel at all.
But this kind of sorrow is not a sign of failure. It may be the very beginning of the Holy Spirit’s work in our hearts. The power of the gospel does not depend on our perfection but on God’s mighty grace. We are merely vessels, and when we offer ourselves to God, He can work wonders through us.
When we turn back to Jesus in humility, no longer seeking human approval but relying on His strength, we begin to see that evangelism is not about persuasion or performance, but about sharing our genuine experience of Christ’s love and transformation.
Godly sorrow can become the starting point of repentance, leading us to depend more deeply on the Lord. When we share the gospel with sincerity and compassion, our words become a living testimony. To follow Christ’s mission is not to rely on our strength, but on His grace, and on the mutual encouragement and support of His church.
Reflection:
Have I ever experienced godly sorrow that led me to repentance and renewal? Am I willing to be a “Titus” to others, being a messenger of comfort and good news?
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for reminding me through Paul’s letter that godly sorrow is for my good. Soften my heart to receive correction and to walk in repentance under Your light. Please help me to live with sincerity and generosity, and to be a source of comfort in the lives of others. May I, like the Corinthian church, grow through repentance and bring glory to You through obedience. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.