2 Corinthians 7:9,10 – “Now I rejoice, not that you were made sorry, but that your sorrow led to repentance. For you were made sorry in a godly manner, that you might suffer loss from us in nothing. For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.”
Paul had written a letter of rebuke to the Corinthians in order to correct some false teaching and incorrect viewpoints of sin. The church responded in the right way and reaped positive results. Before we take a look at them please notice the two different types of sorrow contrasted: godly sorrow and the sorrow of the world. Paul said that godly sorrow produces repentance that leads to salvation. The sorrow of the world produces death. Paul lists the following results of good grief:
Earnestness – this word means speed, eagerness, business, diligence and haste. The Corinthians got down to business when rebuked and didn’t let repentance linger. They were quick about it.
Eagerness – this word means apology, a clearing of self. Not only were they quick but they were sincere.
Indignation – this is the only time this word is used in the Bible. It means expressing a strong displeasure at something.
Fear – this means alarm or fright. Repentance suggests godly fear, which causes us to repent.
Longing – this word means earnest desire. May God give each of us an earnest desire to do the right thing.
Zeal – it means jealousy of a husband, heat, ardor. We usually associate zeal with the performance of a duty. May we have a similar fervor when repenting.
Punishment – means vindication, retribution and revenge.
The Corinthians were quick to repent and serious about it. This was initiated because of good grief. Transformation was able to take place because they allowed the process of grief to unfold. In doing so they saw purpose in their pain.