Godly Sorrow

Posted on by December 2, 2014

Godly Sorrow
by Pat McIntosh

We often hear someone say, “I am sorry.” However, at times we wonder if they are truly sorry for what they have done or sorry that they have been caught. The proper kind of sorrow, in this case, is that sorrow manifested for what has been done and the resulting problems.

A common trait among all mankind is that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Rom. 3:23). Thus, all are in need of forgiveness of those sins. But, how is that forgiveness realized? The easy answer is “salvation by grace.” That is true, but there are various aspects of that needing to be addressed in the world today.

Salvation is both an intellectual and an emotional enterprise. God has, through the Bible, revealed His will in an intelligible fashion. Man was created with the ability to receive information, process it and then ascertain truth. That revealed truth reveals God’s will and indicates, through many biblical examples, the dire situation of man who rejects His revealed will. Sin is a violation of God’s law, as is seen in all three dispensations: Patriarchal, Mosaic and Christian.

For any sin to be forgiven, one must first “mourn” that sin. We must manifest godly sorrow for what has been done, humbly approaching God, on His terms,” to have that sin forgiven. When godly sorrow is manifested through acknowledgement of sin and an obedient response to His will, forgiveness is granted through His mercy and grace. When that sin is removed, we relish the peace and comfort that comes through the forgiveness of sins.

May we be those who mourn for sin. May that drive us to take the necessary steps to deal with that sin. God wants to comfort us. But, that comfort comes on His terms.

Sunday A.M. Sermon – The Beatitudes (3): Blessed Are Those Who Mourn
Introduction – Psa. 55:6-8, 16, 22

  1. What does it mean to mourn?
  2. Mourning for What? – Matt. 4:17; 2 Cor. 7:10; Isa. 59:1-2
  3. Mourning Over Sin – Isa. 53:3-4; Lk. 19:41-44; Matt. 23:37; Rom. 7:24; Titus 2:2
  4. Where is the Comfort? – Isa. 61:1-3; Lk. 4:16-21; 2 Cor. 12:9-10; Psa. 51:1-7; Matt. 11:28

Sunday P.M. Sermon – “A Good Church” (Rev. 3:14-22)

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