Letting Go Of Regret

Regret is part of life. Some things niggle at us and others shout. Some things we can get over with a few easy steps and other regrets burrow in, morphing into shame.

Like so many things, the key to freedom is forgiveness. But this time it is not forgiving someone else, it is forgiving ourselves. Too often we only give lip service, on two levels, of forgiving.

By realizing the completeness of Christ’s work on the cross we can be set free from accusations, even if. . . especially if, the guilt is real.

1 John 1:8 If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

This whole concept of forgiveness begins with our need for a savior. We are guilty. All of us have done things that hurt others and ourselves. It is just a fact of life in our fallen world. At the same time, our Creator, who loves us perfectly, knew we would have to deal with regret.

Christ has paid the price, now we need to see ourselves as God does.

We do that by agreeing with God that we are guilty. That is the definition of confession. When we stop hiding or thinking we can ‘fix’ or take back what we said or did, or didn’t do and should have, admitting we are guilty. Then, the blood of Christ shed for us, legally satisfies the penalty for what we have done. It covers the offense. “he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

So how do we let go of regret?

We confess, agreeing with God that His work is enough. Thank Him that it is! We stop rehearsing the wrong and accept His judgment of guilty, and His work of forgiveness through Christ.

Thank you Abba that you and all you have done for us is enough. We thank you for releasing us from our past of guilt, shame and regret when we bring it to you and leave it on the cross. Thank you for taking all of it, forgetting it and giving us your righteousness and the freedom to learn from our past. Thank you for sending Jesus! AMEN