Judas betrayed Jesus with a kiss. Peter denied he didn’t even know who Jesus was three times. Yet Peter went on to become the Rock on which Christian church was established. And Judas hanged to death. Why? Both of them in effect committed similar sins of betraying Christ.
I wanted to use the above well know context and comparison to discuss the concept of ‘Regret’ and how our response to it can either turn into a sin or a blessing. This was inspired by a recent sermon I heard on this from Desiring God. ( https://www.desiringgod.org/messages/battling-the-unbelief-of-regret )
All of us regret some thing or the other in life- a bad decision, a hurtful comment, a fight, a bad relationship, a sinful act etc. But how we handle it makes a huge difference. And that’s where the concept of Godly regret ( good regret ) and sinful regret ( bad regret ) makes the difference.
The following is a verse from Paul on how he regretted writing a stern and condemning letter to the Church of Corinth and then later actually felt ok as it helped them repent- a regret that led to repentance- Good regret
Even if I caused you sorrow by my letter, I do not regret it. Although I did regret it, I now see that my letter caused you sorrow, but only for a short time. And now I rejoice, not because you were made sorrowful, but because your sorrow led you to repentance. For you felt the sorrow that God had intended, and so were not harmed in any way by us. 10 Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation without regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. Consider what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what zeal, what vindication!2 Corinthians 7:8-10.
This is what happened to Peter too. Peter regretted and wept bitterly. He repented and he was led by faith knowing Christ’s forgiveness will be available to him by belief. He was protected by faith and prayer and managed to turn the regret to repentance to receiving forgiveness. In humility he won in the spiritual warfare with the devil who was trying to accuse him and put him to shame.
“Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.”Peter said to him, “Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death.” Jesus said, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow this day, until you deny three times that you know me.” Luke 22: 31-34
But Peter said, “Man, I do not know what you are talking about.” And immediately, while he was still speaking, the rooster crowed. 61 And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the saying of the Lord, how he had said to him, “Before the rooster crows today, you will deny me three times.” And he went out and wept bitterly. Luke 22:60-62
On the other hand Judas after having betrayed Christ, although went and returned the 30 pieces of silver in remorse, did not have the faith and humility to accept and receive the forgiveness by faith from God.
When Judas, who had betrayed Him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was filled with remorse and returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders. “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood,” he said. “What is that to us?” they replied. “You bear the responsibility.” So Judas threw the silver into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself. Matthew 27:3-5
Judas had regret and remorse but did not have repentance and faith in forgiveness of God. He let the shame take over his mind and soul and became a victim to the devil.
Many of us face the same situation as Judas did. And the society is so hurtful and insensitive that our faults or weaknesses are often blown out of proportion and we are driven to extreme regret or shame. We need to protect our hearts and minds with the Shield of faith. So how do we fight bad regret and let it not consume us and lead to bitterness and deep shame?
The Bible helps us extensively in this and the following truths can only be discerned in the Spirit when you believe it.
- There is no sin that cannot be washed away by the blood of Christ when you believe in His redemption for you. Where sin abounds, Grace abounds too.
- God is slow to anger and infinitely gracious and merciful, yet always right, always just. Trust in His sovereign nature. he is the Judge.
- His forgiveness is available to all who ask in faith. No exception.
- Jesus death, burial and resurrection made Satan powerless- there is no guilt in Life, no fear in death when you are in Christ. Jesus won over death. The same power belongs to you, when you believe in Christ Crucified.
- God turns all things for Good, even your evil deeds of the past- you meant it for evil but God meant it for good. So repent and let God take care of your past.
So if you embrace the above truths it will set you free from bad regret and take you on the path to victorious repentance.
