We are suckers for tears. If someone weeps uncontrollably as they confess their sins, we rarely question if it is genuine. Paul knows better. He shows the Corinthians that all sorrow is not created equal. The crux of the issue is not whether a person is sorry but what they are sad about.
In 2 Corinthians 7:11, Paul presents seven characteristics of godly repentance. First is diligence. Godly sorrow is diligent, urgent desire. In Ezra 9, the men of Judah sat before the temple, physically trembling over their sin of taking pagan wives. They were so eager to repent, they ignored the cold rain as they sat before the temple.
Second, clearing of yourselves. The word "clearing" is apologia, to "give an answer." Godly sorrow seeks to prove that your confession of faith is genuine, thereby defending the work of Christ in your life.
Third, godly sorrow leads to indignation at your sin. As one Christian blogger wrote, "The repentant person does not coddle himself with positive thinking." Instead, you put to death sin.
Fourth, fear. We work out our salvation (repenting) with fear: concern over our souls, trembling in awe of God's holiness, and alarm about our sins.
Fifth, vehemence. An intense, hot desire for the Gospel. Sin not only separates us from God but from each other. True repentance is eager to make amends.
Sixth, zeal, actually doing what we desire. We do not just talk about it but do it.
Seventh, vindication. Vindication is the word for executing justice. Godly sorrow is willing to accept the consequences of your sin, including church discipline.
May the Lord help us to exhibit "heartfelt sorrow for sin, causing us to hate and turn from it always more and more."
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Kurt Snow serves as a ruling elder at Covenant Reformed Church of Sacramento (RCUS). He served as a member of the Board of Governors of City Seminary of Sacramento from 2000 to 2020.
