2 Corinthians 7:9; Sorry After a Godly Manner

2 Corinthians 7:9 Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing.

When the church in Corinth received the letter from the Apostle Paul pointing out the sin that was in their midst, there was a spiritual awakening to mourn for their sins and to repent of their sins. The Apostle Paul knew when sin is put away, God’s peace and joy will come. He rejoices with them for they understood that the reproof was for their spiritual advancement and have been convicted in their hearts to turn away from sin and to turn to Christ, finding forgiveness. They were genuinely repentant, they were sorry after a godly manner.

There was no resistance to the rebuke given, but a willingness to change. It was a marvellous testimony of the convicting work of the Holy Spirit in the midst of God’s people in Corinth. No doubt, the Apostle Paul and his team agonised in prayer for the Lord to bring about a breakthrough in their spiritual lives.

A Christian must never leave off repenting, for I fear he never leaves off sinning. [Spurgeon] Amen.