Sorrow
In 2 Corinthians 7:10, it is written:
For godly sorrow produces repentance, leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death. (NKJV)
Peter is an example of one having godly sorrow which produces repentance leading to salvation.
Judas is an example of one experiencing the sorrow of the world which (lacks repentance and) produces death.
So?
We all experience messing up, a.k.a. sinning. Really. So what do you do now? Well, you’re gonna do either what Peter or Judas did! Oh, you haven’t experienced this yet? Well, good for you, but life isn’t over yet, is it?
Godly sorrow which produces repentance leads us back to the Lord Jesus, to Father God, to Holy Spirit. This is really important!
When did Peter go back to the Lord Jesus? When a few of the disciples were fishing on the Sea of Galilee, and when John told Peter that the man on the shore was the Lord Jesus, Peter jumped off of the boat and swam to the shore. And after breakfast, Peter and Jesus had a private conversation! Then Peter experienced forgiveness! (John chapter 21)
Worldly sorrow leads to hopelessness which leads to giving up.
We know Judas was remorseful or sorrowful when he went back to the temple and threw down his 30 pieces of silver. Then he committed suicide. Jesus said it would have been better for Judas if he had never been born.
So when you sin (mess up) and you’re sorry for it, repent and return to Father God, just as the prodigal son returned to his father. Father God will receive you! (Luke chapter 15). This is really important!
Larry Carroll
