YOU SORROWED IN A GODLY MANNER

YOU SORROWED IN A GODLY MANNER

For observe this very thing, that you sorrowed in a godly manner: What diligence it produced in you, what clearing of yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what vehement desire, what zeal, what vindication! In all things you proved yourselves to be clear in this matter (2 Corinthians 7:11)

This verse provides a look at how genuine repentance will manifest itself in one’s attitudes.

Diligence (earnestness) - It is the initial reaction of true repentance to eagerly and aggressively pursue righteousness. This is an attitude that ends indifference to sin and complacency about evil and deception.

What vindication (clearing) of yourselves - A desire to clear one’s name of the stigma that accompanies sin. The repentant sinner restores the trust and confidence of others by making his genuine repentance known.

Indignation - Often associated with righteous indignation and holy anger. Repentance leads to anger over one’s sin and displeasure at the shame it has brought on the Lord’s name and His people.

Fear - This is reverence toward God, who is the One most offended by sin. Repentance leads to a healthy fear of the One who chastens and judges sin.

Vehement desire (longing) -This could be translated “yearning,” and refers to the desire of the repentant sinner to restore the relationship with the one who was sinned against.

Zeal - This refers to loving someone or something so much that one hates anyone or anything that harms the object of this love (see note on v. 7).

Vindication (avenging of wrong) - This refers to the desire to see justice done. The repentant sinner no longer tries to protect himself; he wants to see the sin avenged no matter what it might cost him.

To be innocent (clear) in the matter - The essence of repentance is an aggressive pursuit of holiness, which was characteristic of the Corinthians. The Gr. word for “innocent” means “pure” or “holy.” They demonstrated the integrity of their repentance by their purity.