The negative consequences of our actions are never a happy occasion. Think of young children. They want that cookie so badly, so they disobey their parents and grab it from the cookie jar anyway. But those little hands slip and bring the whole thing crashing to the ground. Scattered around their feet are pieces of broken clay and cookie crumbs. Their bottom lip begins to quiver as their parents’ feet come dashing into the kitchen. They know what is coming next.
Fast forward 30 years, and that child never really learned their lesson. Sure, they may have stopped reaching into the cookie jar, but they still have a disobedient streak. We all do. We all reach for something when God tells us not to, and we all know the way our world can come crashing down when we don’t listen.
That’s why Paul tells the Corinthians he’s glad they felt Godly sorrow. He’s wise enough to know that regretting sin and disobedience leads us toward a path of repentance. We’re not harmed. We’re not scarred. We’re made stronger through conviction.
Don’t bask in shame. (That’s the worldly sorrow that brings death and the breaking down of our relationship with God.) But do embrace Godly sorrow. Remember what it feels like to be standing alone with broken pieces and empty promises scattered around you. Remember why you repented in the first place, and make a commitment to hold on to the lessons you’ve learned.
Not a member?
Join for FREE!
Enjoy encouraging, motivating, uplifting content created just for women like you, all from the health care name you trust: Franciscan Health.
