“For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, but worldly grief produces death.”
‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭7‬:‭10‬ ‭CSB‬‬

When I read today’s verse, my first thought is “what the heck is godly grief?” After reading the verses leading up to this, I see Paul is talking about grief caused by guilt, regret, and remorse due to past sin. The consequences of sin are often dire. Besides the consequence of ultimate death because of judgment from God, there are usually worldly consequences like broken relationships, lost jobs, injury, sickness… Here’s a very simple example: if I rob someone, I may get caught and end up in jail. Big consequence for me! Even if I don’t get caught there are consequences. The person I rob will be sad from their loss. Perhaps they will be traumatized and frightened for the rest of their lives. Or perhaps they will seek revenge on me. Lots of possible consequences. Sin is awful. In today’s verse, Paul is specifically talking about the consequence of grief that sin causes. In 1 Corinthians, he scolded the Corinthians about their sin. Here in 2 Corinthians, he has heard about their godly grief because of that first letter. And he’s saying how wonderful that kind of grief is. Why? Because it encourages me to change my behavior. It draws me to God to seek forgiveness. And it brings complete healing in my relationship with Him. How wonderful indeed! But then there’s this idea of worldly grief. He says it brings death instead of healing. Why is that? Worldly grief doesn’t include God. There can be no true healing because there can be no salvation. Maybe I’m grieving because I got caught or because now I’m being retaliated against. I might change my behavior, and the people I have wronged may even forgive me, but without God’s forgiveness (because I don’t care to seek it), I can never be made clean. Sin may cause grief, but without God, it will never lead to healing. It will only lead to death.

Dear God,

Thank you for your offer of forgiveness when I come to you in grief over the mess I’ve made of things. Show me clearly when I have sinned, and soften my heart so I will confess, repent, and change my behavior. I want to leave my grief behind.