The Blog

In verses five to nine, Paul talks about his visit to Macedonia to look for Titus.

In verse ten, Paul talks about godly sorrow. “Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation” refers to the sorrow for our sins that results in changed behavior. Many people are sorry only for the effects of their sins or being caught.

We must compare Peter’s remorse and repentance with Judas’s bitterness and act of suicide. Both of them disowned Christ, but one repented and was restored to faith and the other took his life.

Also in verse eleven, Paul points out a key characteristic of a true Christian. It is difficult for anyone to accept criticism with poise and grace. A mature Christian should graciously accept criticism, sincerely evaluate it, and grow from it instead of passing blame and correction on others.

2 Corinthians 7:5-11
5 For when we came into Macedonia, we had no rest, but we were harassed at every turn—conflicts on the outside, fears within. 6 But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus, 7 and not only by his coming but also by the comfort you had given him. He told us about your longing for me, your deep sorrow, your ardent concern for me, so that my joy was greater than ever.
8 Even if I caused you sorrow by my letter, I do not regret it. Though I did regret it—I see that my letter hurt you, but only for a little while— 9 yet now I am happy, not because you were made sorry, but because your sorrow led you to repentance. For you became sorrowful as God intended and so were not harmed in any way by us. 10 Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. 11 See what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern, what readiness to see justice done. At every point you have proved yourselves to be innocent in this matter.