Sorry?

A shoplifter is caught; he says he's sorry. A speeding motorist is pulled over; she says she's sorry. A careless driver causes an accident; he says he's sorry. Are they sorrowful? Yes. Humiliated? Possibly. Penitent? Maybe!

Two Kinds of Sorrow

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 7:10

Worldly Sorrow

Anguish over being caught and having to suffer punishment.

Conviction hardens the heart.

No change; will do it again if can avoid being caught.

Godly Sorrow

Anguished over harm done and having to suffer punishment.

Convinced of the error, the heart is softened.

Abhors the act. Determined not to repeat.

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FOUR ASPECTS OF TRUE REPENTANCE

Remorse

Great pain and anguish of mind caused by guilt.

Regret

Feeling sorry about, looking back with distress.

Reform

Correct and put to an end. Abandon course.

Restore

Re-establish, repair, return to previous condition, give back.