. . .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. See what this godly sorrow has produced in you . . . (2 Corinthians 7:9-11)
As parents, we are never "happy" to have to correct or discipline our children. It is very true that many times the discipline hurts us even more than the pain the children feel. However, what brings
joy is seeing the child come to understand his or her wrongdoing and decide to
change their behavior.
It is similar to our salvation experience. We experience the glory and holiness of God and we repent and seek to live in a Godly fashion. Oh yes, there are bumps in the road when we decide to go outside of His will and see what sin we can get away with! But to repent and receive the grace of our Father brings
relief to us and
joy to our heavenly Dad! It is no different than when parents see their children begin to make mature decisions in life. The words of Samuel ring true today . . .
To obey is better than sacrifice. (1 Samuel 15:22)
As the Holy Spirit convicts us of our sinful acts, we receive understanding from a holy and righteous perspective . . . God's perspective. We must decide to put away the things the world allows and accept God's guidelines and lifestyle demands.
There are no regrets in obedience: whether it involves and parent and child or you and me in relationship to God.
As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”(1 Peter 1:14-16)
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