“So often we are troubled with a persistent sin only because it disturbs our peace and makes us feel guilty.  We need to focus on it as an act of rebellion against God…Godly sorrow is developed when we focus on the true nature of sin as an offense against God rather than something that makes us feel guilty.  Sin is an affront to God’s holiness, it grieves His Holy Spirit, and it wounds afresh the Lord Jesus Christ.  It also gratifies Satan, the archenemy of God.  Dwelling on the true nature of sin leads us to godly sorrow, which in turn leads us to repentance.”

Jerry Bridges