Why Do We Have Regrets? (Simple Truths)

I was reading some emails last night…some old emails. They sparked a lot of thoughts…a lot of regrets. Things I wish I would’ve done differently, better, or even not at all.

Every one of us have regrets. Whether they’re life changing, or just big enough to make us worry.

Why do we have those nagging, tormenting regrets? And what should we do about them?

One reason I like gardening is the fact I can uncover such inspiration in the dirt. No, not the worms. In my brain, lights flash, and I finally piece together what God has been creating within my mind for the past week or two.

Why do we have regrets?

It’s like this.

2 Corinthians 7:10 – For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.

The reason we have regrets is to remind us not to repeat the action.

If we regret not spending enough time with our family before they were gone, we often will remember to visit other family and friends now. If we regret spewing angry words without thought, we’re more likely to think through our words before sharing them without time tlo think about them next time we get upset.

Regret hurts, but we need that hurt. When we step on a nail we need to hurt to realize it’s there, and get some help. If we didn’t regret we couldn’t do better.

…and what do we do about it?

However, with all things, living in regret is depressing, and will suffocate you if you allow it. Think about what you regret, send it up in prayer to the Lord (whether you need forgiveness or just need to talk about it), and write down how you’ll do it differently if given the chance. Now, walk away.