Regret is a powerful emotion that can weigh heavily on the heart.
It can come from past mistakes, missed opportunities, or even things left unsaid.
Many people struggle with regret, feeling trapped by their past decisions.
But what does the Bible say about regret?
Does God want us to dwell on what we cannot change, or does He offer a way forward?
The Bible gives clear guidance on how to handle regret, move past it, and live in the freedom God intends for us.
The Nature of Regret
Regret is a feeling of sorrow or disappointment over something that has happened.
It can make a person feel stuck, constantly replaying past events in their mind.
The Bible acknowledges regret, showing that even great biblical figures experienced it.
Judas Iscariot, for example, deeply regretted betraying Jesus (Matthew 27:3-5), but instead of turning to God for mercy, he allowed his regret to consume him.
On the other hand, Peter also denied Jesus (Luke 22:61-62), but his regret led him to repentance and restoration.
This contrast shows that regret itself is not the issue—it is what we do with it that matters.
Regret and Repentance
The Bible makes a distinction between regret and repentance.
Regret is feeling bad about something, but repentance is turning away from sin and seeking God’s forgiveness.
2 Corinthians 7:10 explains this difference: “Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.”
When regret leads to repentance, it can bring healing and change.
But when regret leads to despair, it keeps a person stuck in guilt and shame.
King David is a powerful example of someone who dealt with deep regret.
After committing adultery with Bathsheba and arranging for her husband’s death, David was confronted by the prophet Nathan.
His regret was overwhelming, but instead of running from God, he turned to Him in repentance.
In Psalm 51:10, David prays, “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”
David’s story shows that no mistake is too great for God’s mercy.
Moving Past Regret
God does not want His people to live in the past.
Isaiah 43:18-19 says, “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.
See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?”
God’s desire is for us to move forward, trusting Him for a fresh start.
Dwelling on regret keeps people from seeing what God is doing in the present.
The Apostle Paul had every reason to live with regret.
Before his conversion, he persecuted Christians and approved of their deaths.
But Paul did not let his past define him.
Instead, he wrote in Philippians 3:13-14, “Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
Paul’s life is a reminder that God can transform even the most regretful past into something meaningful for His kingdom.
The Danger of Holding Onto Regret
Holding onto regret can keep a person from experiencing God’s peace and joy.
It can lead to feelings of unworthiness and make people believe they are beyond God’s forgiveness.
But Romans 8:1 gives reassurance: “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”
When God forgives, He does not hold past mistakes against His people.
Psalm 103:12 says, “As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.”
If God has removed our sins, we should not hold onto regret as though they still define us.
Satan often uses regret to trap believers in guilt.
He whispers lies that they are unworthy of God’s love or that their mistakes have ruined their future.
But Jesus came to set people free from these lies.
John 8:36 says, “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”
Living in regret is not freedom—it is a form of bondage.
But through Christ, true freedom is possible.
Finding Healing Through Forgiveness
One of the most powerful ways to overcome regret is through forgiveness.
First, accepting God’s forgiveness is essential.
1 John 1:9 promises, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
No matter what has happened, God’s mercy is greater.
Forgiving oneself is also important.
Many people struggle with regret because they cannot let go of their own mistakes.
But if God has forgiven them, they should not hold onto guilt.
Forgiveness also extends to others.
Sometimes regret comes from hurting someone else.
Seeking reconciliation and offering an apology can bring peace.
Matthew 5:23-24 encourages making things right with others as part of living in obedience to God.
Letting go of resentment and extending grace to oneself and others opens the door to healing.
Trusting God With the Future
Regret often stems from looking back at what could have been different.
But the Bible encourages believers to trust God with the future.
Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Even when mistakes have been made, God’s plan is not ruined.
He can take even the worst situations and use them for good.
Romans 8:28 promises, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
God’s ability to redeem and restore is far greater than any regret.
Learning From Regret
While regret should not control a person’s life, it can be a teacher.
Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
Mistakes from the past can be lessons that lead to wisdom.
God can use past failures to shape character, deepen faith, and help others.
Paul’s past as a persecutor of Christians gave him a unique testimony that helped spread the gospel.
Likewise, personal regrets can be used to encourage and guide others.
God does not waste anything—including past mistakes.
Final Thoughts
The Bible does not ignore regret, but it does not allow it to have the final word.
Through Jesus, regret is replaced with redemption.
The past does not have to define the future.
God’s grace is always greater than any mistake, and His love offers a way forward.
Instead of holding onto regret, believers are called to receive God’s forgiveness, learn from their experiences, and walk in the freedom Christ provides.
No matter what has happened, God’s mercy is new every morning, offering a fresh start to all who seek Him.