Coming from the daughter of a coach, I remember seeing my dad pulling aside a talented athlete who’s been slacking whether in practice or during the game. The conversation isn’t easy. The coach’s words are pointed and tough highlighting where the athlete has failed, but they’re also hopeful, urging the athlete to strive for excellence; that failure is not an option. It stings to hear criticism, but deep down, the athlete knows the coach’s correction is out of love and a desire to see them reach their full potential. In the same way, when God rebukes us, it can be painful, yet it’s often the catalyst for real transformation.

In a world that resists correction, we must remember that God chastises those He loves, as Hebrews 12:6 says: “For those whom the Lord loves He disciplines…” In 2 Corinthians 7, Paul addresses the Corinthians’ response to his previous corrective letter, which had caused concern about their reaction. What stands out is that Jesus doesn’t rebuke us without offering restoration. As believers, we should model His example, bringing restoration that leads to true freedom, joy, and reconciliation with God and others.

The first lesson we learn is that godly sorrow leads to true repentance. In 2 Corinthians chapter 7 verses 9 and 10, Paul rejoices not because the Corinthians were made sorrowful, but because their sorrow led to genuine repentance, according to God’s will. I love how Paul’s rebuke stirred their hearts, but it wasn’t a worldly sorrow rooted in guilt or shame. The difference between godly sorrow and worldly sorrow is that godly sorrow brings repentance and spiritual growth, while worldly sorrow focuses on regret and consequences without real transformation. True repentance involves more than just feeling sorry—it results in a genuine change of heart and behavior. If you’ve lived long enough, you can testify that conviction is a gift from God that leads to transformation and salvation. (“I now rejoice, not that you were made sorrowful, but that you were made sorrowful to the point of repentance; for you were made sorrowful according to the will of God, so that you might not suffer loss in anything through us. 10 For the sorrow that is according to the will of God produces a repentance without regret, leading to salvation, but the sorrow of the world produces death.” 2 Corinthians 7:9-10)

The second lesson for us focuses on how correction is an act of love, not condemnation. It’s important to distinguish between the two: God brings correction, but the enemy, the deceiver, and the Father of Lies, Satan, brings condemnation. As Paul explains in 2 Corinthians 7:12, his letter was not just about addressing the wrongdoer or the offense, but about showing the Corinthians’ seriousness and care in their response, reflecting their sincere commitment to God and their desire to restore their relationship with Him. When God or spiritual leaders correct us, it’s an expression of love and care, not rejection. For believers, receiving correction with humility leads to greater holiness and spiritual growth. (“So when I wrote to you, it was not to regret the injury done to you by the person who wronged you, nor was it to regret the injury done to you by the person who wronged you, but to let you know how much I care for you and to show you how much I care.” 2 Corinthians 7:12)

Godly sorrow is not a sign of failure or weakness but an invitation to grow closer to Jesus. Though it may hurt, it leads to repentance, reconciliation, and life, allowing us to experience God’s love and transformation.