2 Corinthians 7:11

“For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.”

Context:To better understand this verse, it is important to consider its context within the letter of 2 Corinthians. The Apostle Paul wrote this letter to the church in Corinth to address various issues and concerns. In the preceding verses, Paul discusses the sorrow that he had caused the Corinthians through a previous letter, which caused them to repent and turn away from their sinful ways.

Sorrow after a godly sort: Paul acknowledges that the Corinthians experienced godly sorrow. This type of sorrow is not merely regret or remorse for the consequences of sin but a genuine sorrow that leads to repentance. It is a sorrow that recognizes the offense against God and seeks reconciliation with Him.

The effects of godly sorrow:

• Carefulness:The godly sorrow experienced by the Corinthians led to a heightened sense of attentiveness and vigilance. They became more careful in their conduct, striving to align their actions with God’s standards.
• Clearing of yourselves:The Corinthians, through their godly sorrow, underwent a process of self-examination and self-judgment. They sought to clear themselves of their sinful behaviors and attitudes, taking responsibility for their actions and seeking forgiveness and restoration.
• Indignation:The godly sorrow stirred up a righteous indignation within the Corinthians. They were no longer complacent or apathetic toward sin but became deeply disturbed by it, recognizing it as an offense against God and His holiness.
• Fear:This refers to a reverential fear of God, a healthy respect and awe for His power, authority, and righteous judgment. The Corinthians developed a deep sense of reverence for God, understanding that He is to be feared and honored.
• Vehement desire:The godly sorrow produced within the Corinthians a passionate longing for righteousness and holiness. They desired to live according to God’s will and pursue righteousness with great intensity.
• Zeal:The Corinthians’ godly sorrow also generated zeal or fervor for God and His kingdom. They were enthusiastic and eager to serve the Lord, devoting themselves wholeheartedly to His purposes.
• Revenge:This refers to the Corinthians’ commitment to setting things right and taking appropriate action against sin. It does not imply seeking personal vengeance but rather a determination to address sin and promote righteousness.

Approving themselves:Through their response to godly sorrow, the Corinthians demonstrated their sincerity and integrity. They proved themselves to be genuine followers of Christ, committed to righteousness, and willing to address sin in their lives.