For the sorrow that is according to the will of God produces a repentance without regret, leading to salvation, but the sorrow of the world produces death.
— 2 CORINTHIANS 7:10 —
Igor Bodun: Grace Bible Seminary | Ukraine
Russia is engaged in an “unofficial” military conflict with Ukraine. Over the last four years, over 10,000 have died in the east of Ukraine, and another 25,000 have been seriously injured. Thousands of Ukrainians live with a continual sorrow and grief because of their losses. Many who have been injured in the fighting do not see any point or hope in the future. Some have even become so sorrowful and depressed that they have committed suicide. We must guard our hearts against those sorrowful thoughts that would lead to death, and instead have a tender heart, open to the conviction of the Holy Spirit, which leads to life and renewal These desperate acts cause even more pain and grief in families that were already suffering. According to Paul, there is another kind of sorrow—a sorrow that actually leads to repentance without any regrets, and which ultimately moves toward salvation in Christ (2 Cor. 7:8–13). This “sorrow” has some very important features: it continues “only for a while” (2 Cor. 7:8b); it brings joy and comfort (2 Cor. 7:9, 13); it leads to true repentance before God (2 Cor. 7:9–10); and it is manifested in godly attitudes (2 Cor. 7:11). Furthermore, there is no cause for “regret” because this happens according to the perfect will of our sovereign God (2 Cor. 7:10), who “causes all things to work together for good to those … who are called according to His purpose” (Rom. 8:28). Let us think correctly about the sorrows that are around us. We must guard our hearts against those sorrowful thoughts that would lead to death, and instead have a tender heart, open to the conviction of the Holy Spirit, which leads to life and renewal (2 Cor. 4:16; Col. 3:10).
