“Even if I caused you sorrow by my letter, I do not regret it. Though I did regret it—I see that my letter hurt you, but only for a little while— 9 yet now I am happy, not because you were made sorry, but because your sorrow led you to repentance. For you became sorrowful as God intended and so were not harmed in any way by us. 10 Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. 11 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. At every point you have proved yourselves to be innocent in this matter. 12 So even though I wrote to you, it was neither on account of the one who did the wrong nor on account of the injured party, but rather that before God you could see for yourselves how devoted to us you are. 13 By all this we are encouraged.” (2 Corinthians 7 v 8-13)
So this ‘letter’ – it seems a bit awkward in v8 that Paul says he doesn’t regret writing such a letter that caused sorrow.
The truth is we need people in our lives who, without any form of abuse, speak into our lives, words that may wound us but not for wounding sake. The intention is not to damage but to lead to healing and change.
The truth is we need to respond so much more with godly sorrow, which knows how to acknowledge wrongdoing and truly repents from it. Instead of wallowing in self-pity, regret, hurt and importantly not moving to change anything.
The truth is we need people who can spur us on with:
Earnestness – a commitment to change for the better.
Eagerness – not excuses, but an eagerness to be changed.
Indignation – If we are going to be angry then be angry with our own sin.
Alarm – Be aware of what a lack of repentance produces.
Longing – Have a desire to be restored.
Concern – Be bothered with those that have been hurt by us.
Readiness – Be willing to accept the consequences of our actions.
The truth is we need people to correct us but with their own humility, grace and love, above leading us into joy and encouragement.
These are the keys to making relationships work.
Missions Paul 