“I remember a time in my college years when I was deeply puzzled over ongoing feelings of ‘guilt’ deep within me over a sin for which I had asked forgiveness many times.  I could not understand why I never felt out from under the burden of it.

Years later God pried my eyes open to 2 Corinthians 7:10:

‘Godly sorrow brings repentance.’

Suddenly I realized that I had never developed a godly sorrow over that sin.  I regretted it because I knew it wasn’t God’s will for my life, but I had no real sorrow over it.  In fact, I realized I ‘had cherished sin in my heart’ (Ps. 66:18), hanging on to it emotionally though I had let go of it physically. 

I had done the right things, but I still felt the wrong things. 

Please let me be very clear: God’s will was certainly for me to act in obedience immediately rather than waiting until I felt like it.  However, I would not enjoy full freedom from the sin burden until I let Him change my heart as well. 

When God opened my eyes to 2 Corinthians 7:10, I wept before the Lord and said,

‘I want to have godly sorrow for this sin so that I can be free…but I don’t, Lord!  What can I do?  Am I stuck with it forever?’

His tender response was the same one He’s given virtually every time I have longed for something I lacked:

‘Pray for it, My child.’

I began to pray for godly sorrow to come to me over that cherished sin. 

It came at first like the gentle morning tide, but ultimately it hit me like a tidal wave.  I did not realize until then how different the concepts of regret and repentance are.

Have you ever physically turned from a sin and ceased the activity, yet continued to cherish it to some degree in your heart?  If so, we’re not alone…

Godly sorrow is a change of heart resulting in complete agreement with God over the matter.  You may say, ‘..but I can’t change the way I feel.’

I understand.  I’ve been there too. 

But that’s why it’s called ‘godly sorrow.’ 

It’s a work of God: He can change our hearts.

When we are challenged to repent of cherished sin, all God is waiting for us to do is invite Him to change our hearts and bring about the supernatural work of true repentance.  He’s looking for our willingness to let go of the sin, both physically and emotionally. 

You see, God will not let the issue rest until repentance takes up full residency in the heart.

Why?

Because until the heart change comes, we will continue to be at an overwhelming risk of returning to sinful actions…

…What divine vengeance occurs when we let God use our past failures to humble us, to refine us, and to use us all the more effectively!

If we are in Christ, we are not hopeless no matter which side of true repentance we’re on…if we realize we’ve never developed godly sorrow over certain sin, let’s ask Him for it!

Then hang on, because He will be faithful to do it!”

Beth Moore, Praying God’s Word “Overcoming Feelings of Guilt” chapter

Another thing He’s been teaching me is the truth of this:

Worldly sorrow brings guilt.

But Godly Sorrow brings sadness for the people your sin hurt.

He is so, so patient, kind, loving and good!