No Ragrets


A few years ago I saw a movie in which one of the characters had a big tattoo across his neck that read, "NO RAGRETS"...

If we live according to the commands and boundaries God gives us in his word - we will minimize our regret.  However, to be human is to have regrets, because making mistakes is a universal experience.  Thankfully, God gives us ways to deal with regret when we have it.

First we must know there are different types of regret: regret over things we missed out on doing, or regret over things we've done.  This second type of regret can further be broken down into regret that comes from foolish decisions, or regret because of sin.

The first type of regret - the one over things we missed out on doing, is usually one that comes after an opportunity has passed.  To avoid this type of regret we must be following Jesus, for he said, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that the may have life, and have it to the full." (John 10:10). 

God wants to give us a full and wonderful life - but that requires that we put Him at the center of it: "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11)

The second type of regret is the kind that comes because of foolish actions or decisions.  For me, maybe that was not choosing the Peace Corps as a career when I was young.  In those instances we can claim this verse: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28

But when our regrets are caused by our own sin action, it can have devastating consequences..  

"When Judas, his betrayer, saw that Jesus was condemned, he changed his mind and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders, saying, 'I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.' They said, 'What is that to us? See to it yourself.' And throwing down the pieces of silver into the temple, he went and hanged himself." (Matthew 27:3-5)

It is important to know that when our sin is at the root of our regret, then God wants to use it to bring us to repentance.  It is equally important to understand that regret is not the same as repentance.  Regret focuses on the action that brought us sorrow, but repentance focuses on the one we have offended. Second Corinthians 7:10 explains the difference, "Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death." 

Judas regretted his betrayal, but he did not repent of it.

When we have regrets over past sins, we must confess them to the Lord, and humbly ask that he work to transform us so that we will sin no longer.  "Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord." (Acts 3:19)

There were two thieves crucified alongside Jesus, and when one began mocking Jesus, the other thief rebuked him saying, "Don't you fear God? We are punished justly for we are getting what we deserve.  But this man has done nothing wrong."  And he asked Jesus to remember him when he came into his kingdom.  To this man - who was repentant, Jesus said, "Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise." (Luke 23:43)

Remember - our actions are not hidden from God, and when we sin, He desires to restore us if we return to him. 

"From the days of your fathers you have turned aside from my statutes and have not kept them.  Return to me, and I will return to you, says the Lord of hosts" (Malachi 3:7)

"I will give them a heart to know that I am the Lord, and they shall be my people and I will be their God, for them shall return to me with their whole heart." (Jeremiah 24:7)

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