Regret

2 Corinthians 7

“Regret involves the mind primarily, and remorse involves the emotions. But repentance includes a change of mind, a hatred for sin, and a willingness to make things right. If the will is not touched, conviction has not gone deep enough.” Warren Wiersbe

“For even if I made you grieve with my letter, I do not regret it—though I did regret it, for I see that that letter grieved you, though only for a while. As it is, I rejoice, not because you were grieved, but because you were grieved into repenting. For you felt a godly grief, so that you suffered no loss through us. For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death. For see what earnestness this godly grief has produced in you, but also what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what longing, what zeal, what punishment! At every point you have proved yourselves innocent in the matter. 2 Corinthians 7:8-11

The Apostle Paul made it very clear in 2 Corinthians 7 that if we are serious about repentance, we will do everything we can to clear things up, to turn from our sinful thoughts and actions. If we are serious about our right relationship with Jesus, repentance, making a quick, sharp about-face is required. Remorse, regret and grief do not go far enough; there must be repentance followed by restitution, a real brokenness and appeal for forgiveness and a fleeing of such wickedness.

Dr. Tony Evans writes in his Bible commentary, “Worldly grief is what Judas experienced after he betrayed Jesus. He knew he had sinned and was filled with remorse, but he was unwilling to repent to God. In contrast, Peter experienced godly grief after denying Christ. This led to his repentance and recommitment to the Lord, resulting in his spiritual restoration.”

Here, Paul quickly explains that he and his co-laborers are not attempting to condemn or excommunicate the Corinthians. Their hearts are filled with affection, pride, and joy over them in spite of the afflictions suffered. The false apostles that were “levening the whole lump” were to blame for the unrest they had caused.

“So although I wrote to you, it was not for the sake of the one who did the wrong, nor for the sake of the one who suffered the wrong, but in order that your earnestness for us might be revealed to you in the sight of God. Therefore we are comforted.” 2 Corinthians 7:12-13

Both Paul and Titus cared about the believers in Corinth, and this love finally won the day. We take a risk when we love others, for they may hurt us, by word or action; but, it is worth the risk to be like Jesus Christ and live a life of love for the ones who are acting far from God.

“...God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. 10 For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. 11 More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.” Romans 5:8-11

Do you have any regrets? Do those regrets involve some sinful decision or pattern in your journey? Have you been broken over your sin in the past? Have you repented from your thoughts and actions? Has your relationship with God been reconciled by Jesus and His forgiveness of your sin?
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Today, if you are experiencing remorse, regret and grief over your sin, know it is not enough to just have these feelings, repentance must take place to restore and reconcile your relationship with the One who paid the price for your sin Jesus Christ, who is God.

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