Repentance and Sorrow 1

2 Co 7:1-12. Background to Paul's 3 visits & 4 letters to the Corinthians, including a painful visit and subsequent letter of strong rebuke—a letter which initially caused distress for these believers, but led to correction. Emotion has no merit for either justification or spiritual growth. "Godly sorrow" means to sorrow according to God's will or intent. This produces a change of mind (repentance) which is based upon the mental understanding of the character of God, and in turn leads to spiritual advance.