Everyone has regrets about the past.
And there are things we all feel bad about we would like to do over.
Some people carry their regrets around like a heavy backpack–for years.
And they assume this is the right thing to do… as a form of self-punishment.
But be careful…
Living with regret never cleans the conscience.
Neither does it bring forgiveness or make one right with God.
Nor does it provide the freedom you need to serve God with your gifts today.
The only thing regret does is perpetuate pain.
Therefore, we need something different than living with regret.
And the alternative God calls us to practice is repentance.
Repentance literally means a change of mind.
Changing your mind about foolish or sinful things you’ve done in the past is a good thing to do.
When combined with faith–and fruitful deeds consistent with repentance–the result is personal renewal…
… by way of a good conscience, a restored relationship with God, and a new liberty to serve Him… with a healed and whole heart.
So today…
How about addressing any unresolved anguish over your past?
… By choosing repentance over regret.
For the sorrow that is according to the will of God produces a repentance without regret, leading to salvation, but the sorrow of the world produces death (2 Cor. 7:10).