Regret

Considering that everyone makes mistakes, it makes sense that biblical characters regret their actions. The classic error is Judas' tragic betrayal of Jesus.

The story is told in Matthew 27:1-5. “When daybreak came, all the chief priests and the elders of the people plotted against Jesus to put Him to death. After tying Him up, they led Him away and handed Him over to Pilate, the governor. Then Judas, His betrayer, seeing that He had been condemned, was full of remorse and returned the 30 pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders.

“l have sinned by betraying innocent blood,” he said. “What's that to us?” they said. “See to it yourself!” So, he threw the silver into the sanctuary and departed. Then he went and hanged himself.” (HCSB)

Even today, many people take or shorten their lives, unable to diffuse or handle their regrets. Realize that the past is the past. If you find your thoughts are full of guilt, you might put unreasonable demands on yourself or others.?

Ask God to help you turn regret into gratitude. Don't live in the past. All you have is today. In speaking on guilt, General Colin Powell said, “None of us can change our yesterdays, but all of us can change our tomorrows.”

Wayne Nalls, author of “This Reminds Me of a Story.”