Regret is something everyone has felt from time to time. Usually, it’s when we realize we said or did something wrong that hurt a loved one, a co-worker, or friend. Or even deeper when we realized we disobeyed God’s instructions. Regret is a response that causes sadness, sometimes even shame, and if prolonged it can lead to deep sorrow. To stay in that oppressive emotional state makes a person vulnerable to becoming more unstable, causing more emotional pain, perhaps to experience anger, condemnation, or even depression.

Please understand that regret is a tool of the devil to keeps you in the state of condemnation that keeps you from being the person God designed you to be. Regret is a byproduct of condemnation.

Conviction, on the other hand, is the tool of God to set you free from the spiral devastation of regret. God’s conviction is to bring us in humble repentance to Him so we can receive forgiveness, and receive the cleansing from the sin of our words, actions, and regret. So, the solution or remedy for regret is two-fold: repentance and forgiveness. Living without regrets doesn’t mean we never have to deal with them; it means we take authority over that spirit and not let it dominate us.

The answer or solution to regret caused by our actions or words is to repent, and receive forgiveness, and cleansing!

That step is found First John 1:9 where we are told to confess our sins, for God is faithful and just to forgive us of our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

The next step is in First Peter 5:7 where we receive instructions to cast our care over on Him because He cares for us. We are not created to carry the guilt of regret.

The answer or solution to regret or hurt caused by the actions or words of others is to forgive them.

Ephesians 4:32 tells us to be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake has forgiven us. Any unforgiveness on our part blocks God’s forgiveness for us (Matthew 6:14-15). When we refuse to forgive others, we keep ourselves in a cycle of regret, shame and condemnation.

Forgiveness is God’s power to set us free to be who He intends for us to be. Don’t let the sorrow of regret keep you from repentance, and don’t let unforgiveness toward others in your heart keep you from receiving God’s forgiveness. He loves you and wants you to be free from regret, so repent and cast that care over on Him for He cares for you.