Godly grief.

2 Corinthians 7:8-11, For even if I made you grieve with my letter, I do not regret it—though I did regret it, for I see that that letter grieved you, though only for a while. As it is, I rejoice, not because you were grieved, but because you were grieved into repenting. For you felt a godly grief, so that you suffered no loss through us. For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death. For see what earnestness this godly grief has produced in you, but also what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what longing, what zeal, what punishment! At every point you have proved yourselves innocent in the matter.

Paul loved these believers enough to confront them and challenge them to turn their way to the living God. We need others in our life to challenge us when we take a wrong turn, which sometimes happens. It’s easy to be blinded by the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of sin; we also need to be close enough to others to offer them help in their time of need. We all have experienced worldly grief, wherein there is nothing that can be done. Are we open to accepting godly grief as a way of turning us towards Him?

Thank You for others who help us in our walk with You, Lord! And let us gently help others in following You.

ESV Lectionary