What does 2 Corinthians 7:9 mean?

Paul's severe letter rebuking the Corinthians for their sinfulness hit home with them in the best way possible. Instead of angrily rejecting Paul's correction, they were grieved. Understanding that they had been sinful in this way made them deeply sad.

The tone here sounds like a loving parent in his response to hearing about their sadness. On the one hand, Paul hates to hear that they experienced this grief. On the other hand, he is thrilled that their reaction was appropriate and godly. He rejoices because this is exactly the response that was needed to bring them to repentance. Repentance is a commitment to change course and go in the correct direction. Often repentance from sin only follows the sadness that comes from understanding the consequences of that sin.

Scripture describes this sadness as a "godly grief." Paul acknowledges that his letter caused them to experience this pain, but it was the temporary, beneficial pain they needed in order to move away from their sinful course. In other words, Paul's severe letter did not hurt them, did not cause them loss. Instead, it helped them. The following verses will expand on the difference between godly, convicting sorrow and worldly despair.