When true repentance takes root within your heart, there is a conscious awareness of sin and a deep desire to be rid of it at all cost. You begin to realize that you are grieving your Lord and that it harms your relationship with Him. You then are willing to do whatever it takes to repair the relationship with God and others. Godly sorrow produces repentance—which produces salvation. On your own, take some time to look up the definitions of the phrases and words listed in the above verse.
2 Corinthians 7:9-10 Now I rejoice, not that you were made sorry, but that your sorrow led to repentance. For you were made sorry in a godly manner, that you might suffer loss from us in nothing. For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.
As noted here, there is a definite difference between regret and repentance. Regret is being grieved over the guilt and shame that one feels from being caught and exposed by one’s sin. It is unteachable and is usually “all knowed up.” It says to itself, “I’ll just learn how to do this (behavior) better, and the next time I won’t get caught.” Repentance, on the other hand, is a complete turnaround, a 180-degree turn. It is leaving the act or action completely behind and not turning back to see if it is all right or okay without you. Remember, repentance is not a turnstile! It is caused by a deep understanding of your sin through a brokenness of heart and a contrite spirit.
When repentance is given by God and growing within your heart, it recognizes that sin, no matter how big or small, deeply grieves your heavenly Father and the One who has forgiven and paid the price for your sin. An understanding begins to be established within your heart of what it cost your heavenly Father for the price to be paid in full and the precious and holy sacrifice that was provided by God Himself. You begin to understand that the sacrifice completely removed the deep dark crimson stain that covered the robes you wore before Jesus’ finished work upon the cross.