Two Types of Sorrow

After watching “To Catch a Predator” on MSNBC Dateline, a feature about people who prey on children for sex by making initial contact with them on the internet, I started thinking about the two types of sorrow Apostle Paul wrote about in the Bible to the church at Corinth.

It was quite shocking to witness the reality of what people will do when they are addicted to their sin. First, these predators seek out children for sex on the internet by engaging in salacious conversations and sending pornographic pictures of themselves. Then, once they make contact, they drive to the house and audaciously enter the house of the child. They usually bring some type of alcohol or drug with them, and sometimes they take off their clothes before entering the house. There is no doubt they have every intention on acting out their sick fantasy. Many of the predators are previous sex offenders.

As they walk into the house they are greeted by a gentleman who works for MSNBC Dateline. He begins to question them about their motive and intent for appearing at the residence. At this moment, it is interesting to listen to what they have to communicate about their reason for being in the house, and sad to watch how they respond.

Initially, they all seem to be remorseful for their lascivious behavior. However, as they continue to sit through the interrogation and answer questions, it becomes painfully obvious that their sorrow is worldly and not godly.

2 Corinthians 7:10 says, “Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorry brings death.”

Worldly sorrow is when a person is more upset about being caught for the crime than committing the crime. It does not produce a change in human behavior. A person with this type of sorrow is not willing to fully acknowledge the wrong they have done. In fact, this person feels they are the victim because they have to go through the inconvenience of being caught in the act. This type of sorrow always leads to death.

Godly sorrow produces a deep regret in a person’s heart for their sinful lifestyle. This sorrow is so sincere that it causes the person to change behavior, accept any punishment for what they did wrong, and make amends where necessary. This type of sorrow always leads to new life.

2 Corinthians 7:11 says, “See what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern, what readiness to see justice done.”

Remember, these predators sought out children on the internet, drove in their car to their house, walked in the house, brought alcohol, condoms and drugs, and still pleaded their innocence when caught on video. All but one of the men in the feature pleaded not guilty in their court case. These men are the personification of worldly sorrow.

“To Catch a Predator” is a great reminder to all of us that our sin will eventually lead to death. It is also a reminder that the only sorrow that will produce eternal change in the human heart is godly sorrow.

Do you have godly sorrow or worldly sorrow for your sin?

I am sure it was a simple lustful thought that led to the wanton behavior of these internet predators. Maybe you are not a sex offender, but your sin will eventually bring a similar undoing and humiliation to you and those in your sphere of influence. After watching “To Catch a Predator”, it is undeniable that America needs more godly sorrow in its citizens.