2 minute read.
Daily Reading: Ecclesiastes 7:1-9:18 ESV, 2 Corinthians 7:8-16 ESV, Psalm 48:1-14 ESV, Proverbs 22:17-19 ESV
Daily Verse: “For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death.” (2 Corinthians 7:10 ESV)
AMETAMELETOS (278): “As an adjective, means “not repented of” and is translated “not to be repented of” 2 Cor. 7:10.”[i]
Not repented.
Paul describes two ways to react to pain or sorrow. When we have Godly repentance, it leads to a change of heart, a submittance to Jesus which doesn’t cause regret. But when we respond in a worldly manner, we experience bitterness and resentment.
A few weeks ago, the pastor challenged us. What do we do when God says no? Godly responses show humility; worldly responses show pride. Everyone will suffer in life, one way or another. Some people experience physical ailments, others financial or emotional; pain happens to everyone. How we respond when difficulties arise makes the difference.
As a child, I internalized the lie, “No one cares about me,” because my parents yanked me from one life to another. My juvenile eyes couldn’t understand; they made a move to offer my siblings and me more opportunities. Instead, I responded with worldly grief, producing bitterness and resentment.
Godly grief.
When life threw me a curve ball, I had a choice in my response. Instead of responding with a victim mentality, I could have submitted to God’s guidance. Looking back forty years later, if we hadn’t moved, I wouldn’t have experienced the things I have. Nor would I have met my husband. But my short-sighted view didn’t allow me to see the possibilities.
Submitting to God’s sovereignty means trusting when life goes in a different direction; God does have a plan. What surprises us doesn’t surprise God. Everything works to the good for those who believe, trusting His calling on their life (Romans 8:28).
Life comes with pain; everyone feels it at some point. How we respond to suffering shows our heart. Trusting God means understanding we won’t have all the answers, but we know the one who does. When nothing else makes sense, we can rely on God’s promises to carry us through. One day, we’ll look back and realize God had a plan.
Lay your hurt at the foot of the cross. Ask God to comfort your broken heart, trusting He will redeem all things in His time. Don’t let bitterness and resentment take root; find life to the fullest with godly grief.
[i] Strong, J., & Strong, J. (2010). The New Strong’s expanded exhaustive concordance of the Bible. Greek Dictionary of the New Testament (p. 16) Thomas Nelson
