Below are the quotes that were used in the video.
In this week’s readings, Paul teaches a vital principle designed to inspire us, persuade us to come closer to Christ, give us hope, and lead to conversion and a change of heart. Paul teaches how ‘godly sorrow’ encourages us in our daily discipleship. Paul also testified that God is the God of comfort, and though we have those experiences, we can comfort others.
2 Corinthians - four purposes of this letter:
President Spencer W. Kimball: “God does notice us, and he watches over us. But it is usually through another person that he meets our needs. Therefore, it is vital that we serve each other in the kingdom.” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Spencer W. Kimball [2006], 82)
In December 1982 a man entered the north visitors center on temple square in Salt Lake City and repeatedly hit the Christus statue. The 12-foot statue’s hands and arms were broken. During the Christmas season, visitors were greeted with the Christus reaching out with broken hands and missing fingers. Someone added a note to the damaged statute which read: “We are His hands.” (https://www.nytimes.com/1982/12/18/us/mormon-statue-battered.html, section 1, Page 34)
Apostles:
Elder Kevin R. Duncan: “I am convinced that most of us want to forgive, but we find it very hard to do. When we have experienced an injustice, we may be quick to say, “That person did wrong. They deserve punishment. Where is the justice?” We mistakenly think that if we forgive, somehow justice will not be served and punishments will be avoided.
“This simply is not the case. God will mete out a punishment that is fair, for mercy cannot rob justice (see Alma 42:25). God lovingly assures you and me: “Leave judgment alone with me, for it is mine and I will repay. [But let] peace be with you” [ Doctrine and Covenants 82:23 ]. (“The Healing Ointment of Forgiveness,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2016, 33–34)
“Forgiveness is the very reason God sent His Son, so let us rejoice in His offering to heal us all. The Savior’s Atonement is not just for those who need to repent; it is also for those who need to forgive. If you are having trouble forgiving another person or even yourself, ask God to help you. Forgiveness is a glorious, healing principle. We do not need to be a victim twice. We can forgive.” (“The Healing Ointment of Forgiveness,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2016, 35)
Elder Gary E. Stevenson: “From the moment we emerge from the waters of baptism, we are commissioned to this work. We reach out in love to others because it is what our Savior commanded us to do. … Whenever our neighbors are in distress temporally or spiritually, we run to their aid. We bear one another’s burdens that they may be light. We mourn with those who mourn. We comfort those who stand in need of comfort. The Lord lovingly expects this of us. And the day will come when we will be held accountable for the care we take in ministering to His flock.” (“Shepherding Souls,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2018, 111)
Applying Paul's example to ourselves - We:
Elder Neil L. Andersen: “[Godly sorrow means] to feel profound sadness and remorse for behavior that added pain and suffering to the Savior, as our soul removes any denial or excuse. …
Perhaps the greatest awakening of this life to a spiritually sensitive son or daughter of God is the uniquely personal realization that Jesus Christ’s payment for sin is very real and that His suffering is not just for everyone else—but also for you and me! … As we spiritually understand that He has suffered for our sins, we feel sadness for our part of His pain. We realize that it is part of the plan of our Father, but we are overwhelmed with the gift He is offering to us. This wonder, this appreciation, this adoration of a Savior who has done this for us, takes us to our knees as our spirit is filled with godly sorrow.” (The Divine Gift of Forgiveness [2019], 149, 150)
President Ezra Taft Benson: “It is not uncommon to find men and women in the world who feel remorse for the things they do wrong. Sometimes this is because their actions cause them or loved ones great sorrow and misery. Sometimes their sorrow is caused because they are caught and punished for their actions. Such worldly feelings do not constitute ‘godly sorrow’” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Ezra Taft Benson [2014], 82).
“Godly sorrow is a gift of the Spirit. It is a deep realization that our actions have offended our Father and our God. It is the sharp and keen awareness that our behavior caused the Savior, He who knew no sin, even the greatest of all, to endure agony and suffering. Our sins caused Him to bleed at every pore.
“This very real mental and spiritual anguish is what the scriptures refer to as having ‘a broken heart and a contrite spirit.’ … Such a spirit is the absolute prerequisite for true repentance” (Teachings: Ezra Taft Benson, 83).
2 Cor 7:11 Paraphrased: “Your own repentance is a case in point. Yours was a godly sorrow, as the results proclaim ; for it made you earnest to amend your ways, anxious to clear yourselves, indignant that you had been misled, afraid of the results of your conduct, anxious to see me, zealous for truth and justice, resolute in purifying the Church. In every respect you showed that you had no share in the offender's guilt, and no desire to shield him.” (Dummelow, The One Volume Commentary, p. 936)
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf: “Godly sorrow inspires change and hope through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Worldly sorrow pulls us down, extinguishes hope, and persuades us to give in to further temptation.
“Godly sorrow leads to conversion and a change of heart. It causes us to hate sin and love goodness. It encourages us to stand up and walk in the light of Christ’s love. True repentance is about transformation, not torture or torment. Yes, heartfelt regret and true remorse for disobedience are often painful and very important steps in the sacred process of repentance. But when guilt leads to self-loathing or prevents us from rising up again, it is impeding rather than promoting our repentance.” (“You Can Do It Now!,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2013, 56)
In September 2019, the New Era magazine printed an infographic based on the teachings of Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles that might help you further distinguish between godly and worldly sorrow. Find it here: Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “Godly Sorrow,” New Era, Sept. 2019, 32–33, https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/new-era/2019/09/godly-sorrow?lang=eng.
Teaching Thoughts:
2 Corinthians - four purposes of this letter:
- To express gratitude to and strengthen the Saints who had responded favorably to his previous letter
- To warn of false teachers who corrupted the pure doctrines of Christ
- To defend his personal character and authority as an Apostle of Jesus Christ (see 2 Corinthians 10–13)
- To encourage the Corinthian Saints to make a generous financial offering to the impoverished Saints of Jerusalem (see 2 Corinthians 8–9).
President Spencer W. Kimball: “God does notice us, and he watches over us. But it is usually through another person that he meets our needs. Therefore, it is vital that we serve each other in the kingdom.” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Spencer W. Kimball [2006], 82)
In December 1982 a man entered the north visitors center on temple square in Salt Lake City and repeatedly hit the Christus statue. The 12-foot statue’s hands and arms were broken. During the Christmas season, visitors were greeted with the Christus reaching out with broken hands and missing fingers. Someone added a note to the damaged statute which read: “We are His hands.” (https://www.nytimes.com/1982/12/18/us/mormon-statue-battered.html, section 1, Page 34)
Apostles:
- “Comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God” (1 Cor 1:4).
- Trust in God (1 Cor 1:9).
- “Helpers of your joy” (1 Cor 1:24).
- “Ye might know the love which I have more abundantly unto you” (1 Cor 2:4).
- Interested in individuals especially the sinners (1 Cor 2:7).
- Encourage to love each other (1 Cor 2:8).
- For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ (1 Cor 2:15).
- Acknowledge power comes from God (1 Cor 3:5-6).
- Help others reflect the image of Christ. They help us become more and more like Him. (1 Cor 3:18).
- No hidden agenda (1 Cor 4:2).
- “We preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord (1 Cor 4:5).
- Are optimistic (1 Cor 4:8-9).
- Know that through Christ “all things are for your sakes” (1 Cor 4:15).
- Seek to persuade (1 Cor 5:11).
- “We are ambassadors for Christ … we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God. (1 Cor 5:20).
- Worry that a word might detract from the ministry (1 Cor 6:3-7).
Elder Kevin R. Duncan: “I am convinced that most of us want to forgive, but we find it very hard to do. When we have experienced an injustice, we may be quick to say, “That person did wrong. They deserve punishment. Where is the justice?” We mistakenly think that if we forgive, somehow justice will not be served and punishments will be avoided.
“This simply is not the case. God will mete out a punishment that is fair, for mercy cannot rob justice (see Alma 42:25). God lovingly assures you and me: “Leave judgment alone with me, for it is mine and I will repay. [But let] peace be with you” [ Doctrine and Covenants 82:23 ]. (“The Healing Ointment of Forgiveness,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2016, 33–34)
“Forgiveness is the very reason God sent His Son, so let us rejoice in His offering to heal us all. The Savior’s Atonement is not just for those who need to repent; it is also for those who need to forgive. If you are having trouble forgiving another person or even yourself, ask God to help you. Forgiveness is a glorious, healing principle. We do not need to be a victim twice. We can forgive.” (“The Healing Ointment of Forgiveness,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2016, 35)
Elder Gary E. Stevenson: “From the moment we emerge from the waters of baptism, we are commissioned to this work. We reach out in love to others because it is what our Savior commanded us to do. … Whenever our neighbors are in distress temporally or spiritually, we run to their aid. We bear one another’s burdens that they may be light. We mourn with those who mourn. We comfort those who stand in need of comfort. The Lord lovingly expects this of us. And the day will come when we will be held accountable for the care we take in ministering to His flock.” (“Shepherding Souls,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2018, 111)
Applying Paul's example to ourselves - We:
- “Comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God” (1 Cor 1:4).
- Trust in God (1 Cor 1:9).
- “Helpers of your joy” (1 Cor 1:24).
- Help others “know the love which I have more abundantly unto you” (1 Cor 2:4).
- Interested in individuals - especially the sinners (1 Cor 2:7).
- Encourage all love each other (1 Cor 2:8).
- For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ (1 Cor 2:15).
- Acknowledge power comes from God (1 Cor 3:5-6).
- We reflect the image of Christ. We help others become more and more like Him (1 Cor 3:18).
- No hidden agenda (1 Cor 4:2).
- “We preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord” (1 Cor 4:5).
- Are optimistic (1 Cor 4:8-9).
- Know that through Christ “all things are for your sakes” (1 Cor 4:15).
- Seek to persuade (1 Cor 5:11).
- “We are ambassadors for Christ … we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God. (1 Cor 5:20).
- Worry that a word might detract from the ministry (1 Cor 6:3-7).
Elder Neil L. Andersen: “[Godly sorrow means] to feel profound sadness and remorse for behavior that added pain and suffering to the Savior, as our soul removes any denial or excuse. …
Perhaps the greatest awakening of this life to a spiritually sensitive son or daughter of God is the uniquely personal realization that Jesus Christ’s payment for sin is very real and that His suffering is not just for everyone else—but also for you and me! … As we spiritually understand that He has suffered for our sins, we feel sadness for our part of His pain. We realize that it is part of the plan of our Father, but we are overwhelmed with the gift He is offering to us. This wonder, this appreciation, this adoration of a Savior who has done this for us, takes us to our knees as our spirit is filled with godly sorrow.” (The Divine Gift of Forgiveness [2019], 149, 150)
President Ezra Taft Benson: “It is not uncommon to find men and women in the world who feel remorse for the things they do wrong. Sometimes this is because their actions cause them or loved ones great sorrow and misery. Sometimes their sorrow is caused because they are caught and punished for their actions. Such worldly feelings do not constitute ‘godly sorrow’” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Ezra Taft Benson [2014], 82).
“Godly sorrow is a gift of the Spirit. It is a deep realization that our actions have offended our Father and our God. It is the sharp and keen awareness that our behavior caused the Savior, He who knew no sin, even the greatest of all, to endure agony and suffering. Our sins caused Him to bleed at every pore.
“This very real mental and spiritual anguish is what the scriptures refer to as having ‘a broken heart and a contrite spirit.’ … Such a spirit is the absolute prerequisite for true repentance” (Teachings: Ezra Taft Benson, 83).
2 Cor 7:11 Paraphrased: “Your own repentance is a case in point. Yours was a godly sorrow, as the results proclaim ; for it made you earnest to amend your ways, anxious to clear yourselves, indignant that you had been misled, afraid of the results of your conduct, anxious to see me, zealous for truth and justice, resolute in purifying the Church. In every respect you showed that you had no share in the offender's guilt, and no desire to shield him.” (Dummelow, The One Volume Commentary, p. 936)
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf: “Godly sorrow inspires change and hope through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Worldly sorrow pulls us down, extinguishes hope, and persuades us to give in to further temptation.
“Godly sorrow leads to conversion and a change of heart. It causes us to hate sin and love goodness. It encourages us to stand up and walk in the light of Christ’s love. True repentance is about transformation, not torture or torment. Yes, heartfelt regret and true remorse for disobedience are often painful and very important steps in the sacred process of repentance. But when guilt leads to self-loathing or prevents us from rising up again, it is impeding rather than promoting our repentance.” (“You Can Do It Now!,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2013, 56)
In September 2019, the New Era magazine printed an infographic based on the teachings of Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles that might help you further distinguish between godly and worldly sorrow. Find it here: Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “Godly Sorrow,” New Era, Sept. 2019, 32–33, https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/new-era/2019/09/godly-sorrow?lang=eng.
Teaching Thoughts:
- Summary paragraph: Have students (or family) explain the difference between world sorrow and godly sorrow. How does Satan use worldly sorrow? How does godly sorry bring you joy?
- Discussion: How has God comforted you? How has that helped you comfort others?
- What did you learn today from Paul’s example that will help you this week on your path of discipleship.