“For the grief that God wills brings a repentance that leads to salvation, leaving no regret. But the world’s grief brings death.” 2 Corinthians 7:10, TLV

Paul’s last letter to the believers in Corinth produced a strong reaction. In this case, it was conviction of their sins.

Conviction produces grief and sorrow. This happens when the Holy Spirit reveals what we did was a layer of suffering our Messiah had to endure because of us.

Is this a painful grief? Yes! But as much as it hurts and no matter our shame, our Heavenly Father wants us to take it to Him in repentance. Not to prove we messed up by sinning, but so we can be set free of sorrow and regrets.

I wonder. If we truly grieved over our sin, then experienced the joy of God’s forgiveness, would it be easier to understand why we need to forgive others? To not enprison them in grief and regrets?

Do we truly walk in gratitude for God’s love and forgive those who sin against us? Not only sin against us, but sin against those we love?

Somehow, I think if I were more grateful then I wouldn’t hesitate to forgive others.

Your thoughts?