The Bible draws a line of distinction between what it calls “godly sorrow” and what it calls “the sorrow of the world” (2 Cor. 7:10). “The sorrow of the world” is probably something we have seen and understood—sorrow that individuals “feel” or “express” when they get caught in a misdeed, but not actually a genuine sorrow that leads them to make any changes.
But, what is “godly sorrow”? A Christian’s reaction to personal sin ought to be one of profound sorrow. But, is that sorrow for getting caught or is that sorrow based upon a deeper level? Paul said in 2 Corinthians 7:9 that the Christians in Corinth had a sorrow that “led to repentance,” for they “were made sorry in a godly manner.” Or, as the NASB translates it, “For you were made sorrowful according to the will of God.” That’s the key—sorrow that grows out of a knowledge of the will of God and genuine remorse and regret for personally violating that will.
When you sin as a child of God, if you have godly sorrow, it will lead to your salvation!