“For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death. For observe this very thing, that you sorrowed in a godly manner: What diligence it produced in you, what clearing of yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what vehement desire, what zeal, what vindication! In all things you proved yourselves to be clear in this matter.” 2 Corinthians 7:10-11 (NKJV)
See it is very clear – godly sorrow produces many good changes and saves you from destruction and you will never regret whatever hardship you went through; but worldly sorrow produces, disappointment, disease and death. Let us see in detail the good things produced by you being sorrowful or went through grief to walk godly.
- Diligence: steady, earnest, and energetic effort.
- Clearing of yourselves: the act or process of making or becoming clear.
- Indignation: anger aroused by something unjust, unworthy, or mean.
- Fear: profound reverence and awe especially toward God.
- Vehement desire: to long or hope for.
- Zeal: eagerness and ardent interest in pursuit of something.
- Vindication: justification against denial or censure.
These are the dictionary meaning of the characters you will build up, if you are sorrowing in the godly manner. This personality that develops is god-kind and can be attained only if you pursue God and this leads to salvation of your soul. War is going on in your soul constantly to draw you towards world or God and our victory is entirely dependent on which side you choose. Choose your war right and repent, meaning go on changing yourselves, till you attain the best. Only in godly matters people are settling quickly with very little effort, thinking they attained it and become stagnant. You know, stagnant water gets polluted and stinks. Jesus said, out of our heart rivers of living water should flow.
“On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.” John 7:37-39 (NKJV)