Often, lives are built on foundations of regrets. I know that my life’s foundation rests on numerous regrets, things that I wish I had done differently or not done at all! After many years of living, one comes to the stark realization that there are no do-overs in life. Frequently, bad choices made and simply the lack of making choices have results that cannot be undone.
Few of us reflecting upon our youthfulness would not be haunted by some indiscretions for which we are now sorry (i.e., actions, words, attitudes, etc.). What would we as parents at this late date wish that we could do over in childrearing? Do we as married persons wish we had been more attentive and responsive to our respective husbands or wives? Have we regrets regarding the educational track or lack thereof that we pursued? Are there choices of employment and work ethics over which we lament because we acknowledge our personal deficiencies? Have we failed to follow our Lord Jesus Christ faithfully or dutifully? Have we let down our families, either by not caring for them adequately or by defaming them due to ruined reputations? Do we rue today because of the regrets of yesterday?
Some things for which we have regrets are more serious with ongoing consequences than other matters which we also regret. For instance, the struggling saint certainly regrets every sin of the past and of the present. More than only regretting sin as was true perhaps of Judas (Matthew 27:3-5 “remorseful” or having regret NKJV), the proper outlet for regrets over sin is repentance (2 Corinthians 7:9-10). Despite being unable to reverse some of the consequences of sin, one can nevertheless reverse his or her status as a wayward Christian and be accepted by God once more (Acts 8:22; 1 John 1:9). In the process of becoming a child of God (Mark 16:16; Romans 6:3-5), a precious soul can reverse his or her status with God and be forgiven of one’s past sins (Romans 3:25).
Deploring one’s regrets and painfully aware that past circumstances cannot be altered, Christians need to take heart in two facts. First, God forgets when He forgives (Isaiah 43:25; Hebrews 8:12). Secondly, we must forgive ourselves when God has forgiven us (Philippians 3:13). Subsequently, we must press onward and upward (Philippians 3:14).
Life is too short to undergird it with regrets. The young need to choose their courses with extreme care and try to minimize populating their lives with hurtful regrets, sinful or otherwise. Young and old alike have a spiritual solution for regrets, even if we are unable to change the past.
