Godly Sorrow
In biblical counseling and in daily relationships, we each face situations where our sin has harmed someone else, or someone’s sin has harmed us. And, we live in a fallen world where we and others often want to skirt over sin and quickly move on. Yet, the Scriptures call us to godly sorrow that evidences itself in fruit(s) of repentance.
What are specific scriptural markers of true repentance? Paul shows us 7 marks of godly sorrow and the fruit of repentance in 2 Corinthians 7:7-13. I’ve used the information below in my own life, and also in my counseling of others.
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A Biblical Self-Assessment
- Having repented (Psalm 32; Psalm 51) and having received God’s gracious forgiveness (2 Corinthians 2:5-11; Romans 2:4; Psalm 32; Psalm 51; 1 John 1:8-10; 1 John 2:1-2; Romans 8:1), now in response to Christ’s grace and through the power of the Holy Spirit, God calls us to show forth fruit of repentance. In each of the seven categories below from 2 Corinthians 7:7-13, do an honest self-assessment.
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- To what degree am I showing forth each fruit of repentance?
- What evidence does my life show in each of these areas?
- Through Christ’s resurrection power, how can I keep growing in each area?
7 Fruit(s) of Repentance
- Earnest Care, Earnestness: Not a carelessness or a winking at sin, but an earnest desire to bear forth the fruits of repentance by eagerly putting off the old relational patterns and putting on new ways of relating to God and others.
- Eagerness to Clear Yourselves: Apologia: Roused to demonstrate a changed heart through an active desire to show forth change in attitude and action. a) Making no excuses, b) Offering a clear admission of guilt, c) Motivated to receive correction leading to d) A changed heart and actions.
- Indignation: Indignation with themselves rather than those who had accused them. Mourning my own sin, owning my sin and indignant over my sin’s consequences.
- Alarm/Fear: Fear of God, of consequences, and of falling back into sin and disgracing God’s grace and damaging those I love.
- Longing: Desire for restoration and reconciliation with God and others. Desire for renewed relationships of trust and affection—doing what is needed to accomplish relational renewal.
- Zeal/Concern: Passion for doing, thinking, and living right for God’s glory and the good of those I love.
- Avenging/Readiness to See Justice Done: Readiness to right the wrong by making restitution, upholding holiness, and putting one’s house in order.
