Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly important verse from 2 Corinthians 7:9. It’s a really powerful message about forgiveness and our relationship with God. Here's a simple explanation: The Core Idea: This verse is saying that we should feel sorry for our mistakes – especially when those mistakes are serious – because it’s a sign of being in the presence of God. It’s not about feeling bad, but about recognizing that we’ve stumbled and need to turn back. Let's unpack it piece by piece: "Now I rejoice..." : This is unusual! It sounds like the author is saying something opposite of what we expect. Instead of celebrating a good thing, he’s acknowledging a problem. "...not that ye were made sorry..." : This part is crucial. He's not saying it’s okay to be sorry. He’s saying we are meant to feel sorry. It’s like saying “it’s natural to feel sad when something bad happens.” It’s a recognition of the gravity of our situation. "...but that ye sorrowed to repentance..." : This is the key part. "Sorrowed" means to grieve or feel pain. "Repentance" means to turn away from sin and return to God. So, he's saying we need to feel sorry because it’s a sign of needing to change our ways. "...for ye were made sorry after a godly manner..." : This is where the connection to God comes in. “Godly manner” means acting in accordance with God’s will and principles – living righteously, honestly, and without sin. We're not just being sorry for our mistakes; we’re being sorry because we’ve strayed from that path. "...that ye might receive damage by us in nothing." : This is the most significant part of the verse. It means that if we are truly sorry, God will allow those "damage" (meaning things like disappointment, hurt, or suffering) to happen to us without causing us any pain or harm. It's a promise that God’s love and mercy will ultimately protect us even from our own mistakes. In simpler terms: Think of it this way: We make mistakes. We feel bad about them. But God wants us to acknowledge those feelings, because it shows we’re trying to be better. If we truly repent (turn away from sin), He promises that even though we might experience some difficulty, He will protect us from the negative consequences of our mistakes. Why is this important? This verse highlights the importance of humility and repentance – acknowledging our shortcomings and turning towards God's grace. It’s a call to be honest with ourselves and to seek forgiveness and restoration. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the passage in more detail? Discuss what this verse means in light of other Bible verses about sin and redemption?