There is a simple way of knowing if someone is truly repentant, and it is when apologies are not counterbalanced by excuses. Those who give excuses for wrongdoing have no genuine heart for repentance or reconciliation. Godly sorrow is what the Bible calls the precursor to repentance. When someone who has committed a sin is able to sorrow over it, that is an indication that all hope is not lost. Capacity to sorrow over wrongdoing is a proof that the conscience is still alive to God. This is a necessary step towards repentance. Those who can no longer feel any sense of remorse are at the precipice of total damnation.

Those who give excuses for wrongdoing have no genuine heart for repentance or reconciliation…Capacity to sorrow over wrongdoing is a proof that the conscience is still alive to God…No one can carry a blurry vision to victory. If the vision is blurred, progress is obstructed and the future uncertain.

Whereas godly sorrow is desirable and helpful, any other form of sorrow is deadly. “For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.” II Corinthians 7:10 NKJV. One of the downsides of unwarranted grief is that it blurs vision. “My vision is blurred by grief; my eyes are worn out because of all my enemies.” Psalms 6:7 NLT. No one can carry a blurry vision to victory. If the vision is blurred, progress is obstructed and the future uncertain. In addition, unmitigated sorrow can take a toll on one’s physical and mental health. It is in the light of the heavy cost of unwarranted sorrow that Paul recommended rejoicing to the Philippians. In our text, he stressed the necessity of rejoicing, arguing that it is safe to rejoice. Believers find their strength in the joy of the Lord.