2 Corinthians 7:11 For observe this very thing, that you sorrowed in a godly manner: What diligence it produced in you, what clearing of yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what vehement desire, what zeal, what vindication! In all things you proved yourselves to be clear in this matter.
When we do understand sin and turn from it we find that we change. This is God working in our lives, allowing us to understand just how awful sin is and what damage it does.
That fear of working against God allows us to move away from sin and show others that it can be done.
God changes our hearts so that we want to work with Him and not against Him.
God wants us to live a full life with Him and that means turning away from sin because He cannot abide sin.