Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret

2 Corinthians 7:2-16

Make room for us in your hearts. We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have exploited no one. I do not say this to condemn you; I have said before that you have such a place in our hearts that we would live or die with you.

For when we came into Macedonia, we had no rest, but we were harassed at every turn—conflicts on the outside, fears within. But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus, and not only by his coming but also by the comfort you had given him. He told us about your longing for me, your deep sorrow, your ardent concern for me, so that my joy was greater than ever.

Even if I caused you sorrow by my letter, I do not regret it. Though I did regret it—I see that my letter hurt you, but only for a little while— yet now I am happy, not because you were made sorry, but because your sorrow led you to repentance. For you became sorrowful as God intended and so were not harmed in any way by us. Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. 

So even though I wrote to you, it was neither on account of the one who did the wrong nor on account of the injured party, but rather that before God you could see for yourselves how devoted to us you are. By all this we are encouraged.

In addition to our own encouragement, we were especially delighted to see how happy Titus was, because his spirit has been refreshed by all of you. I had boasted to him about you, and you have not embarrassed me. But just as everything we said to you was true, so our boasting about you to Titus has proved to be true as well. And his affection for you is all the greater when he remembers that you were all obedient, receiving him with fear and trembling. I am glad I can have complete confidence in you.

He has reached this point in the story at 2:13. and Now he takes it up again. At last, Titus is able to set Paul's mind at rest. The Corinthians' reaction to his letter is all he could have hoped. The result has been entirely good. The apostle's relief and joy are overwhelming. His faith in them has been completely vindicated.

Why?

Comfort comes from love, through Titus, Paul was comforted by his message and his words from Corinthians.

No one like judgment or criticism but if confess our sins and let Godly sorrow may bring repentance that leads to salvation, and no regret. But world sorrow brings death, and there will be worse consequences.

The first letter to Corinthians made their sorrow, but it is good for them for their sorrow led to repentance.

So Paul was glad and had complete confidence in them.

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保羅說明他為什麼要寫信?

不是要定他們的罪，不是要站在那一邊。誇對方願意悔改，哥林多教會是否有什麼可取的?對於使徒責備的態度，願意面對自己的問題，願意悔改！禮遇帶來責備他們信的提多！我們不可能緩存 問題的教會，而是願意接受責備，反省，悔改的態度。

保羅收到回應的信而感恩，在馬其頓受到逼迫，因知道哥林多教會對他熱心得到安慰，提多受到禮遇他也歡喜，保羅看重他的同工。什麼是我們應當看重的?我們關心的人的生命成長。我們是否更關心主的心意?我愈在乎的人，愈在乎他的回應。耶穌與我們之間的互動更重要。

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How?

Be aware of what I am doing and what is my mind, may the Holy Spirit lead my mind and give me the light in my way every day.