2 Corinthians 7:9
Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing. Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing.
Paul rejoices not that his severe letter made the Corinthians sorry, but that their sorrow led them to repentance. Their sorrow was after a godly manner, so that his correction and counsel caused them no harm and no lasting damage, but benefited them and turned them from sin. Godly sorrow is not valuable for the pain itself, but because it leads to repentance and salvation, producing reformation with no lasting regret.
His corrective letter exposed their wrongdoing to bring them to repent and to act against those disgracing the church. This accomplished more than an immediate visit would have and prepared him to come to them in love and meekness rather than with correction. He had been concerned that his reproof might wound them or deepen their estrangement, but their response showed that it had benefited them.
Repentance produced by divine grace is seen in changed lives, leading to confession and forsaking of sin and to turning from sin. Its evidence is earnest care, clearing of self, indignation against the wrong, fear, longing and earnest desire, zeal, and avenging of right and setting matters right, which proves purity in the matter and brings comfort to the one who reproved. Its reformation is shown in changed conduct, including restoring what was taken, confessing sins, and loving God and other people.
Reproof of wrong must be given as a friend to the erring, with the reason anxiously explained, with pain at causing pain, and with confidence and sympathy toward those struggling to overcome. When reproof brings consciousness of error and sorrow to repentance, the penitent must be met in a way that preserves self-respect, with trust and confidence freely given rather than withheld until he proves he will hold out. He must not be discouraged by indifference or distrust, since such distrust itself causes the tempted one to stumble.