Godly sorrow is a profound and transformative experience that leads to genuine repentance and spiritual renewal. It is distinct from worldly sorrow, which often results in despair and death. The Apostle Paul, in his second letter to the Corinthians, provides a clear distinction between these two types of sorrow: "Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation without regret, but worldly sorrow brings death" (2 Corinthians 7:10).

Repentance and Salvation

The primary result of godly sorrow is true repentance. This repentance is not merely a change of mind but a heartfelt turning away from sin and a turning towards God. It involves a deep recognition of one's sinfulness and a sincere desire to align one's life with God's will. This repentance leads to salvation, as it opens the door for God's grace to work in the believer's life. The Berean Standard Bible emphasizes that this repentance is "without regret," indicating that it brings about a lasting and positive transformation in the believer's life.

Renewed Zeal and Earnestness

Godly sorrow produces a renewed zeal and earnestness in the believer. Paul commends the Corinthians for their response to godly sorrow, noting the earnestness it produced in them: "Consider what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what zeal, what vindication!" (2 Corinthians 7:11). This earnestness reflects a sincere commitment to live a life that honors God and a determination to rectify any wrongs.

Purity and Holiness

Another result of godly sorrow is a pursuit of purity and holiness. The believer, having experienced the weight of sin and the joy of forgiveness, is motivated to live a life set apart for God. This pursuit of holiness is not out of obligation but out of love and gratitude for the grace received. The believer seeks to avoid sin and to cultivate a life that reflects the character of Christ.

Restoration and Reconciliation

Godly sorrow also leads to restoration and reconciliation, both with God and with others. The believer, having repented, is restored to a right relationship with God. This restoration often extends to relationships with others, as the believer seeks to make amends and to live at peace with those around them. The process of reconciliation is a testament to the transformative power of godly sorrow and the work of the Holy Spirit in the believer's life.

Joy and Comfort

Finally, godly sorrow results in joy and comfort. While the initial experience of sorrow may be painful, the outcome is a profound sense of joy and comfort in the assurance of God's forgiveness and love. Paul expresses his own joy in witnessing the Corinthians' response to godly sorrow: "In addition to our own comfort, we rejoiced even more over the joy of Titus, because his spirit has been refreshed by all of you" (2 Corinthians 7:13). This joy is a reflection of the deep and abiding peace that comes from being in right relationship with God.

In summary, godly sorrow is a catalyst for spiritual growth and transformation. It leads to repentance, renewed zeal, purity, restoration, and ultimately, joy. Through godly sorrow, believers experience the fullness of God's grace and the power of the Holy Spirit to transform their lives.