One word that is much abused today is "I'm sorry." So prevalent we often ask "what are you sorry about?" Is it just an avenue to our goal or destination? We ought to be very careful here! Paul speaks as we engage in sorrow in our everyday sorrow of which is either of the world or Godly sorrow. Sorrow of the world works their presence in hell, but Godly sorrow evidences God's work within us that is ALWAYS marked in repentance!

What: It is NOT the grief found in death that Paul speaks of. Paul minced no words addressing sins to the Corinth church. Paul rejoiced at Titus who reported that his first letter had produced sorrow in the church. It is profitable to make the distinction between the sorrow of the world and Christian sorrow. Not sorry to get out from the consequences but a true Godly sorry. Whenever the world gets in trouble they are sorrowful. It is outward and has nothing to do with the inward or of the heart or because of sin..while Godly sorrow has to do with the inward, the heart, and because of sin. Sorrow of the heart on the INWARD man! Society has no concern for God in their sin but the consequences of the sin that they cherish and confess only when they have to due only to the circumstances. Godly sorrow is because we have sinned against the MIGHTY GOD! Sin even against someone else is first sin against God and against Him first and foremost! Paul rejoiced not because they were sorry, but rejoiced in their Godly sorrow whereby they recognized that they had sinned against God!

Source: What is the root of sorrow. God and our own sinful flesh. The sorrow of the world often manifests itself in us but also Godly sorrow when we cannot sleet at night. It is "a law in my members that I hate!" We are spiritual and have been made members of God Himself but while we are still in the body of this flesh it wars against our new and spiritual life and always wants the sorrow of the world that is utilitarian and serves the old man of this flesh! The sorrow we have deals FIRST with God and secondly with sin that moves us in a complete "U TURN" and works repentance from the Sanctifier who recognizes sin and works sorrow and repentance within us. Carefulness, clearing of yourself, defending yourself, an indignant attitude, hate of sin, fear of God, desire and yearning to do what is right, a zeal for God and what is right, revenge to discipline yourself on a sacred path.

Joy: Worldly sorrow works death and pulls out the presence and fellowship with God. True sorrow comes from the Holy Spirit and makes us grow in grace because we understand GODLY SORROW. "Against THEE have I sinned!"