[from May 16, 2013]
"For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation and brings no regret, but worldly grief produces death."
(2 Corinthians 7:10)
"Quit giving me such grief!"
"Why'd you have to bring that up?"
"Get off my case!"
"Quit trying to bring me down!"
"Stop attacking me!"
These phrases are common to us all. Very few feel good when others correct, chastise, or hold us accountable for our actions. And yet the author of 2 Corinthians (Paul) reminds us that there are two kinds of grief: godly grief and worldly grief.
WORLDLY GRIEF is stifling! It weighs heavy on our hearts & souls. It causes stress & worry. It erodes our psyche. In short, it leads to death. Worldly grief is close to harassment & bullying.
GODLY GRIEF, however, is grief for a reason. It's grief that is designed to lead us into a new direction - to lead us back to God! As Paul says, it produces repentance in our hearts, which leads us to salvation. It's goal is not to injure or belittle... but rather to reunite us with God... to align our lives (in both thought & action) with God's will. So while there may be initial hurt feelings, uncomfortable & awkward moments, it's ultimate desire is the joy of salvation. That's the deeper purpose.
No comments:
Post a Comment