Godly Sorrow: What True Repentance Really Looks Like

“For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.”

— 2 Corinthians 7:10 (NKJV)

Have you ever felt regret so heavy it sat in your chest like concrete?

That weight might be more than just guilt—it could be the beginning of godly sorrow. And according to Scripture, that kind of sorrow can change everything.

Recently, I read a devotional by John MacArthur that unpacked this verse in a powerful way. It got me thinking deeply about what true repentance really looks like—and how often we mistake worldly regret for something it’s not.

Two Men. Two Types of Sorrow: One Godly, One Deadly

MacArthur contrasts the sorrow of Judas with the sorrow of Peter—two disciples who failed Jesus, but with very different outcomes.

“Judas was remorseful over what he had done… but that kind of sorrow is a worldly sorrow that only leads to death.”

— John MacArthur

Judas felt shame. He returned the silver. He even confessed, “I have sinned.” However, that wasn’t godly sorrow—it was worldly regret. It didn’t draw him to Christ—it drove him into despair.

By contrast, Peter also failed Jesus. Yet when the rooster crowed, he wept bitterly (Matthew 26:75). That wasn’t just guilt—it was the gut-wrenching grief of a heart broken over sin and desperate for restoration.

“Godly sorrow is sorrow for having offended God, not just for the painful consequences of sin.”

— John Piper

Why Godly Sorrow Leads to Repentance, Not Just Regret

Worldly sorrow is all about damage control. It’s horizontal—“What will people think?” “How can I fix this?”

However, godly sorrow is vertical. It’s the brokenness that says, “Lord, I’ve sinned against You.” (See Psalm 51:4.)

For example, look at David’s confession after his fall:

“Against You, You only, have I sinned and done what is evil in Your sight.”

— Psalm 51:4

He wasn’t ignoring the pain he caused others. Rather, he recognized that all sin is ultimately against God. That’s the essence of godly sorrow—it leads to Jesus, not to despair.

If you want to dig deeper into this, I highly recommend John Piper’s message:

🎥 The Good End of Godly Regret – Desiring God

How to Recognize Godly Sorrow in Your Life

Here are a few questions that have helped me examine my own heart:

• Am I sorry because I sinned—or just because I got caught?

• Do I hate the sin itself—or just the consequences?

• When I feel conviction, do I run to Jesus—or away from Him?

If you’ve ever wrestled with these questions, you’re not alone. You may also appreciate my article on Our First Response to Everything, where I share how returning to God should always be our first step in both joy and repentance.

Additionally, for biblical support during moments of sorrow and confession, Where To Get Help In the Book of Psalms is a great companion resource.

Let the Tears Fall—Then Let Grace Lift You Up

When Peter wept, he didn’t stay there. Jesus restored him. That’s what godly sorrow leads to: healing, forgiveness, and renewed purpose.

Worldly sorrow isolates us. In contrast, godly sorrow draws us back to the One who loves us most.

So, if the Holy Spirit is stirring something in your heart right now, don’t push it aside. Let Him do the work. Let Him reveal, cleanse, and restore.

“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.”

— Psalm 51:10

And for a practical walk-through of real repentance, check out A Recipe for Repentance from Desiring God.

Final Word: Don’t Just Feel Bad. Turn Back.

True repentance isn’t about self-punishment—it’s about surrender.

“Search me, O God, and know my heart… and lead me in the way everlasting.”

— Psalm 139:23–24

Today, ask the Lord to grant you godly sorrow. Not to shame you, but to transform you. Because the tears that come from godly sorrow don’t drown you—they cleanse you.