Godly Sorrow-Our Freedom Road

By: Carole L. Haines 

Truly one of God’s greatest gifts to us is the conviction of the Holy Spirit. This is the first step on an amazing road to freedom and restoration in our lives. But it does begin with this step.  

But I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I am leaving; for if I do not leave, the Helper will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you. And He, when He comes, will convict the world regarding sin, and righteousness, and judgment: regarding sin, because they do not believe in Me; and regarding righteousness, because I am going to the Father and you no longer are going to see Me; and regarding judgment, because the ruler of this world has been judged. (John 16:7-11) 

Yes, one of the Holy Spirit’s ministries to us is to convict us of sin, leading to our salvation. But it is not just a one and done deal. He continues to touch our own spirit throughout the entire process of transformation. We can respond in a few ways. 

*We can ignore the Holy Spirit’s warnings and conviction 

*We can respond with Godly sorrow and repent, which leads to life. 

*We can respond with guilt and shame which produces death. 

We are told where to flee when convicted by God’s Word and the Holy Spirit of something in our lives in Hebrews 4:14-16 

“Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let’s hold firmly to our confession. For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things just as we are, yet without sin. Therefore, let’s approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace for help at the time of our need. 

We are to run to God’s throne of grace to receive mercy and find grace when we are convicted concerning a sin. Our Precious High Priest, Jesus, has the paid the price for our frogiveness, let us run to Him in, yield to Him and find mercy and grace in this great time of need.

Adam and Eve sewed fig leaves together and tried to hide their sin. ( Genesis 3:7) This is worldly sorrow. They blamed others; this is worldly sorrow.  But Godly sorrow runs to God’s throne of Grace. Godly sorrow agrees with the Holy Spirit’s revealing of a sin. Godly sorrow repents and turns back to God and His ways. Godly sorrow is our path to freedom. Jesus says: 

“So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, “If you continue in My word, then you are truly My disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31-32) 

The Apostle Paul, under the Holy Spirit’s inspiration, expanded on this truth. “It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore, keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.” (Galatians 5:1) 

When we feel convicted, let us yield to that. I have come to realize the difference between the enemy’s condemnation, and the Holy Spirit’s conviction. The best way I can describe it is that when the Holy Spirit convicts me, I feel loved and encouraged at the same time. I feel embraced and hopeful. When the enemy is accusing and condemning me, I want to curl up and protect myself from all the fiery darts being hurled at me. 

Yield to the Spirit’s work. Run to His Throne of Grace when He gently convicts. No Blaming, No rationalizing, just agreeing with God’s Revelation. The freedom I have come to know is immeasurable when running to His throne, Yielding to the hard work of Transformation, and letting the restoration and freedom be poured out. Godly Sorrow is truly our Freedom Road, It begins at the Throne of God’s Grace. Be Blessed, Dear Believer.