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Worldly sorrow and godly sorrow – is there a difference? We are all human beings, created with multitude of emotions. We respond to situations and events in our lives with different feelings because of our varied make-up and nurturing by parents, families, friends and community. We encounter many moments of joy and equal measure of sorrow. We face criticisms, insults, berating from the time we are young students by teachers, as young workers fresh from college by bosses or the sales person who could not speak “proper” English by customers. Whatever may be the reason for reproach and whoever may be the authoritative figure, nobody likes to be scolded. We will probably respond in anger and resentment, feeling hurt and offended. Sometimes the feeling stays for long and it grows deep.
The Apostle Paul talked about the godly sorrow caused by his admonishment of the Christians in Corinth. His deep love for them compelled him to reprimand and rebuke them for their unchristian practices and general bad behaviour towards one another. How did they respond? Was it in anger and fury and were they indignant or affronted? Not so. Thankfully, they showed godly sorrow and repentance. Paul was their respected and honoured Apostle, leader and teacher. Paul’s co-worker Titus brought news to him of their remorse and sincere desire for correction and change. Paul was indeed welling with pride to see their earnestness and their longing to be blameless (ref. Phil. 2:15; 1 Cor. 1:8). What is beautiful from Paul’s fatherly act of love is the resultant encouragement, joy and happiness to all who witness the godly sorrow of the Christians in Corinth. Titus’s spirit was refreshed and his affection for the Corinthians grew even deeper. Paul himself was filled with pride and boasting about them. This example of the Apostle Paul and the Corinthian Christians has much to teach us in the matter of godly sorrow.
Life is relational – we hope for and hurt the people who matter the most to us. Often we are at a loss for the right words. We hesitate to confront and correct, preferring instead to “sweep the dirt under the carpet”. However, when there is the need to counsel fellow Christians about their unchristian practices and general bad behaviour towards one another, it has to be done. But it must be done with godly love. 2 wise Biblical Proverbs to remember are: “Listen, for I have worthy things to say; I open my lips to speak what is right” (Prov. 8:6) and “A wise man’s heart guides his mouth, and his lips promote instruction.” (Prov. 16:23).
