For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death. 2 Corinthians 7:10 ESV
When we talk about repentance, there is mental side, the emotional side, and the volitional side of it. When we talk about the mental part of repentance, we need to know why we need to change something. We must have a basis for change, otherwise it will be short lived. Biblical ground is the sure foundation of everything we do in life. Why are we to leave behind a life of sin and vices, because we find it in Scripture. Why are Christians leaving the drinking habits and going out to bars at night, because they read from the Bible that God has forgiven them from their past lives and they are now new creations. That their bodies are now the temple of the Holy Spirit. We must have a reason from Scripture if we are to change. We may not fully understand it yet, but we have a basis. On the emotional side of things, we must feel that something is wrong so making a choice to depart from it becomes easy. Leaving a mistress becomes easier if you feel that it is wrong, it violates God's principles, breaks vows and promises of fidelity you have given your spouse. Leaving a life of bribery becomes easier when you emotionally understand it.., in a nutshell, being sorrowful about something wrong gives people the emotional capability to leave it behind... Don't get me wrong, the word of God is enough to make anybody change, that's the ideal thing. Whether you feel like it or not, we have a responsibility to respond and obey God, assuming we are adopted into his family. Having Godly sorrow, gives us the emotional strength to do it faster and firmer. Then the volitional side of it. Change is a choice. We have to make the decision and finally do it. Turning away from sin and turning to God is a choice that nobody else will do it for you. Others may correct or remind us, but the decision, bottom line is ours. 15 December
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