Godly Sorrow

Forgiven

Experiencing Godly Sorrow: A Pathway to True Redemption

When we think of sorrow, it’s often associated with guilt, regret, or shame—emotions we instinctively try to avoid. But the Bible speaks of a different kind of sorrow, one that is deeply transformative and life-giving. This is godly sorrow, a concept rooted in 2 Corinthians 7:10-11:

“Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. See what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern, what readiness to see justice done...”

Godly sorrow isn’t just about feeling bad for our sins—it’s about seeing them through God’s eyes. It’s a grief that leads us to repentance, to seek restoration with God, and to embrace the freedom He offers. Unlike worldly sorrow, which leaves us stuck in shame, godly sorrow draws us closer to Christ, empowering us to change.

My Encounter with Godly Sorrow in Tulsa

I remember vividly when godly sorrow became real to me. At the beginning of my recovery, I was desperate for God’s intervention. My 55-year addiction had brought me to the brink of losing everything—my wife, my children, and even my will to live. I poured out my heart in prayer, yearning for redemption and strength. Feeling led, I began a fast, hoping to find clarity and healing.

That day, I immersed myself in Scripture, especially 2 Corinthians 7, and scoured the internet for insights about godly sorrow. Something about this concept struck me deeply. The Bible said godly sorrow leads to salvation and leaves no regret, while worldly sorrow brings death. I realized I didn’t fully understand the difference, but I sensed that godly sorrow was the missing link in my struggle.

That night, I couldn’t sleep. My heart was heavy, and my mind raced with thoughts of my failures and the damage I had caused. Early the next morning, I felt compelled to go for a walk. Wandering through the quiet streets of Tulsa, I eventually came to a park. A fine mist filled the air, softening the world around me.

With uplifting spiritual music in my ears, I walked, praying silently. Suddenly, I felt something powerful—something I had never experienced before. In a still, small voice, God spoke to my heart:

“I am cleansing you from your burden, from your addiction. I am washing you clean. I am baptizing you and giving you a new heart. You are Born Again.”

In that moment, I felt the weight of my addiction being lifted. It was as if the mist washing over me was God Himself, purifying my soul. Overwhelmed by His mercy and love, I barely made it back to my room. Falling to my knees, I wept uncontrollably. No words would come, only tears. Through my sobs, all I could whisper was, “Thank you, God. Thank you, God.”

I stayed there for hours, lost in gratitude. God had met me in my weakness, responding to my brokenness with His cleansing power. It was a moment of godly sorrow that transformed me.

Isaiah 43:1 came to life for me:

“But now, thus says the LORD: Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name: you are mine.”

What Is Godly Sorrow?

Godly sorrow is not about condemnation or staying stuck in guilt. As Francis Chan explains:

“True repentance is about turning toward God. It’s about seeing the weight of your sin, not because you fear punishment, but because you see how it grieves the heart of the One who loves you most.”

Godly sorrow is deeply relational. It’s not just about being sorry for what you’ve done—it’s about recognizing how your sin has wounded your relationship with God. Unlike worldly sorrow, which focuses on consequences and leaves us in despair, godly sorrow draws us closer to Him, leading to repentance and restoration.

The Bible provides many examples of godly sorrow. King David’s repentance in Psalm 51 is one of the most vivid:

“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me” (Psalm 51:10-11).

David’s sorrow wasn’t just about his failures; it was about how his choices had grieved God. Similarly, the Prodigal Son in Luke 15 experienced godly sorrow when he realized how he had dishonored his father. But instead of staying in his guilt, he returned home, where his father embraced him with open arms.

This is the beauty of godly sorrow—it doesn’t leave us in despair. It points us back to God, where we find forgiveness, healing, and freedom.

How Godly Sorrow Transforms

Godly sorrow transformed my life because it shifted my focus from myself to God. For decades, I had been consumed by shame, trying to fight my addiction in my own strength. But in that park in Tulsa, I realized I couldn’t win on my own. Only Christ could cleanse me and give me a new heart.

Francis Chan puts it this way:

“Repentance isn’t just about stopping something—it’s about running toward Someone. It’s about replacing sin with a greater love for God.”

Godly sorrow helped me see that fighting sin wasn’t the answer. Instead, I needed to surrender to Christ, allowing His grace to transform my heart. This surrender brought freedom, peace, and joy—the very things I had been longing for.

A Quiet Turning Point

That moment in Tulsa was a quiet turning point in my journey—a moment when godly sorrow led me into the loving arms of my Heavenly Father. It marked the beginning of a new chapter, rooted in His grace and power.

If you find yourself trapped in cycles of guilt, regret, or shame, I invite you to seek godly sorrow—not as a burden, but as a gift. It’s not about staying stuck in your sin; it’s about letting God draw you closer, cleanse you, and give you a new heart.

As 2 Corinthians 7:10 reminds us:

“Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret...”

God is ready to lift your burdens, wash you clean, and welcome you into His grace. Will you let Him begin His work in you today?