Regret
It is not uncommon to hear people say that they have lived their lives with “no regrets”. They often state that they would live just the same if they had it to do all over again. That sentiment is one hard to imagine coming from the mouth of a Christian. While we may affirm the truth that God works all things together for good (Romans 8:28), there ought to be a true remorse for the times we have sinned against our holy and loving God.
If reliving a situation were possible, I trust we would all want to amend a transgression that assailed our Savior, or maximize an opportunity to advance the cause of Christ. But the Bible is clear, we cannot. Thankfully, our iniquities and missed opportunities have been dealt with on the cross. And God of course, would have us live in the present and not the past (Philippians 3:13). He wants us to look ahead, not backwards.
While our sinful histories rightly make us remorseful, the good news is our forgiveness is complete and more opportunities to glorify Christ lie before us. We can all admit we have regrets, but let us be quick to praise God that his grace is greater than our sin and today is a new day to live for Christ.
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I wanted to comment that I am one of those that says “I would not change anything.” Believe me I have a lot of regrets to be thankful for God’s forgiveness for, but I try and look at how I have learned and grown as a child of God from these “crashes”. If I can share my experiences and help one person recover from or avoid making the same mistakes I made, then it has been worth it. God Bless to all. Jim B.
After reading the first comment, I thought about the changes I would make and would disagree with jbarnett. However after further reflection, I could only make those changes if I could carry back the knowledge I have learned and experienced, which I can’t. This is why I agree with Paul to not live in the past. I am thankful that my sins are forgiven, for the patience of God, and for His mercy and grace. Thus I can leave yesterday, focus on Him today, and trust Him for tomorrow.
I have a friend who says she wouldn’t change a thing in her past, because it led to her current husband. She was involved with a married man with children, she married and committed adultery, her next husband died and now she’s happy with her new husband. I look back on my life with such regret for not making the Godly choices that would lead to ‘no regrets’. I know God uses all things for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose, so we shouldn’t dwell in the past, granted. But as it also says in Romans, what benefit did you reap from the things you are now ashamed of? If there’s no shame or regret, is there true repentance?