Day 14: Conviction

2 Corinthians 7:9—10 (ESV)

As it is, I rejoice, not because you were grieved, but because you were grieved into repenting. For you felt a godly grief, so that you suffered no loss through us.For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death.

Reflection

The grief Paul talks about in this passage is a gut-wrenching, soul-searching conviction that we have let God down, disappointed Him, or realized we have disobeyed Him.  Through His Holy Spirit He has revealed something in our life that needs to change, and we are convicted  of this problem, mistake, or poor decision.  The definition of convicted is “having officially been found guilty.”  In a worldly sense, grief like this can leave us lonely, afraid, struggling, and embarrassed.  However, with God we know that grief can turn into repentance – a turning back toward God, His love, acceptance and forgiveness.  Thus, Paul can say with confidence and truth, “I rejoice … because you were grieved into repenting.”  When the conviction of a wrong gives us grief before God, we repent of our wrongdoing and turning back towards God in forgiveness and reconciliation we have a better, stronger relationship with the God who created us.  He offers us salvation through Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection on the cross.  Our mishaps and the guilt and grief of our conviction no longer matter, and we have a new start in the light of God’s truth and forgiveness.  As Paul says, “godly grief produces repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death.”  With God’s love and forgiveness, our conviction of grief and sin lead to the light, truth, and hope of God’s amazing salvation for each one of us!  In that we can certainly rejoice!

Food for Thought

• When was a time that you felt convicted and grieved of a wrong you committed?  Did you repent and turn back towards God?  How did that feel?
• How would you explain Paul’s statement that he “rejoices that grief turns to repentance and to salvation”?  
• How could you help your friends see Godly grief as a good thing, and bringing truth into the light as a healthy step?  Could you share your moments of conviction, repenting, and turning towards God to help encourage them?

Prayer

Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for your death and resurrection on the cross that turns our conviction and grief into repentance, salvation, and rejoicing! Help me to feel your arms of love as I grieve, accept your forgiveness and live into the light of your awesome hope and joy.  Amen! 

Submitted by Marilyn Bollinger