“The grip of regret can be more than demoralizing, it can be paralyzing.”- Kyle Idleman
In Chapter 3 of Grace Is Greater, Pastor Kyle Idleman tackles the subject of learning to live with regrets. First, he describes the grip of regret:
“We can’t seem to move forward because we obsess over something that has already happened, something that can’t be unwound or undone. A regret tends to focus on a specific moment, a time and place where you did or didn’t do something, and now you have to live with the consequences.”
As a result, a common technique for dealing with regret involves covering up one’s mistake and trying to forget about it. However, regrets need to emerge from the darkness so God’s healing grace shines on them. Sharing and repenting of our sins puts us in a position to receive grace.
In contrast, if we choose to live with guilt, we miss grace. Furthermore, that guilt usually surfaces as regret and shame. While regret and shame often go together, they aren’t mutually exclusive. Kyle spells out the difference:
- regret– feeling bad about something you have or haven’t done (emphasis Kyle’s)
- shame– feeling bad about who you are or how you think you’re perceived by God and others
Thus, the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4) defined her life by her mistakes and poor decisions. She struggled living in the shadow of her shame.
Similarly, all of us have regrets, wishing we could go back and do something differently. But, we don’t need to be prisoners of our regrets. Next, Kyle discusses the three r’s of regret, remorse, and repentance.
Today’s question: What Bible verses help free you from the grip of regret? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “The three r’s – regret, remorse, repentance
