What does the Bible say about dealing with regrets?

Answer

Regret is sorrow or remorse over something that has happened or that we have done. Regret can also be a sense of disappointment over what has not happened, such as regretting wasted years. To be human is to have regrets because making mistakes is a universal experience. The Bible provides much guidance that, if followed, will lead to fewer regrets. God’s commands and boundaries are clearly outlined for us in His Word, and the more we adhere to them, the less we will have to regret. However, in God’s grace and mercy, He has also provided a way to address regrets when we have not lived as wisely as He desires, as seen in Psalm 51:12.

When considering what the Bible teaches about regrets, we should begin with the fact that in a couple of instances, we are informed that God “regretted” an action He took. The Hebrew root for the word “regret” actually means “to sigh.” Since we know God does not make mistakes, the concept of sighing is a more fitting term for the type of regret God experiences. Genesis 6:7 states that, after observing the wickedness on the earth, God regretted creating man. This does not imply that the Lord believed He had erred in creating human beings, but rather that His heart was sorrowful as He witnessed the path they were taking. Because God knows everything in advance, He already understood that sin would have consequences, so He was not caught off guard by it (1 Peter 1:20; Ephesians 1:4; Isaiah 46:9-11). Instead, this insight into God’s character reveals that, even though He is aware that we will sin, it still saddens Him when we choose to do so «And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. », (Ephesians 4:30).

Human regret differs from God’s regret. Human regret arises from the realization of past mistakes or unwise choices.Cause we do not know all things and we do make mistakes. As we age, we often reflect on decisions made in youth and regret our choices. However, those regrets usually fall into one of two categories. Our regrets arise from either foolish choices or sinful choices, and each requires a different response.

First, we may experience regret because of foolish choices, situations in the past that we wish had been different. For example, let’s say we had chosen to attend Z College and major in X. After years of fruitlessly pursuing a career in X, we regret that college decision. The choice of college major was not a sin, and we may have thought at the time that it was a good choice, but we now realize it was not. We can deal with that kind of regret by claiming Romans 8:28 and asking the Lord to make it work for the good. We can choose to focus on the positive aspects of all we learned and trust that, if we were seeking the Lord at the time, nothing was wasted and He can use even our immature decisions for good if we trust Him. We can forgive ourselves for our immature decision and purpose to grow wiser from what we learned «Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, », (Philippians 3:13).

Peter is one biblical example of someone who deeply regretted a foolish decision. Although Peter was committed to Jesus, his fear made him run away when the soldiers came to arrest Jesus, and he later denied his Lord. His actions did not come from a desire to sin, but from impulse, spiritual immaturity, and fear. He deeply regretted his actions and wept bitterly «And Peter went out, and wept bitterly. », (Luke 22:62). Jesus knew about Peter’s regret and specifically asked to see him after His resurrection «ButGo your way, tell His disciples and Peter that He is going before you into Galilee: there you will see Him, as He told you.” , (Mark 16:7). This teaches us that our regrets are not hidden from God, and He desires to restore us when we return to Him (Malachi 3:7; Jeremiah 24:7).

Some regrets stem from sinful choices that may have left lasting scars and consequences. Following a life of selfish indulgence, some individuals in their later years are so consumed by regret that they are unable to experience joy. The repercussions of their actions for themselves and others may linger for years. The anguish of regret can push us towards decisions we would not otherwise make. Judas Iscariot serves as a prime example in the Bible. Upon realizing that he had betrayed the Messiah, Judas was overwhelmed with regret and attempted to reverse his actions by returning the blood money. When this failed, he took his own life (Matthew 27:3-5).

Regret may drive some individuals to self-destruction, yet God intends to use it to guide us towards repentance. It is crucial to recognize that regret differs from repentance. Esau deeply regretted selling his birthright, but he never repented of his wrongdoing (Hebrews 12:16-17). Regret focuses on the sorrowful consequences of our actions, while repentance focuses on the offended party. 2 Corinthians 7:10 elucidates the disparity between mere regret and genuine repentance: “Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.” Instead of allowing regret to triumph, we can allow Jesus to transform us so that our past sins magnify His abundant grace. Through repentance, by believing in His sacrifice on the cross.

Was sufficient payment for the debt we owe God, we can be forgiven (2 Corinthians 5:21: Romans 10:9-10; Acts 2:23).

Two men betrayed Jesus on the night He was crucified. Judas had worldly sorrow (regret), and his life ended. Peter had godly sorrow (repentance), and his life was transformed. We have the same choices those men had. When we face regret, we can let it consume our lives, or we can lay our fault at the feet of Jesus, turn from it, and let Him restore us (Psalm 23; 2 Corinthians 5:17).