Repentance Without Regret

Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.

2 Corinthians 7:10 (NIV)

Some interpret the first part of this verse to mean that a Christian's sorrow is what pleases God. In reality, this is not what Paul means at all. When he speaks of godly sorrow, it is not a sorrow that God inflicts on us to lead us to repentance. On the contrary, the circumstances of life and the consequences of our sins that sadden us lead us to reflect on our attitude and lifestyle, especially those who live far from God.

Repentance is choosing to abandon our way of life and turn to Christ. Those who repent after disappointment or misfortune always find a reason to thank and praise God for His intervention instead of regretting their decision. God always gives us a reason to desire His presence and to want to enter into an intimate relationship with Him. This is why we will never regret having accepted Christ one day.

If you are going through a difficult situation that saddens you and causes you to question God, question your attitude toward Him instead. You may have drifted away from God for a time, and He wants to bring you back to Him. This doesn't mean He caused it. However, He may allow it to happen in order to lead you to repentance. God loves you and will do everything He can to bring you to repentance.

May God's grace and peace be with you all.