Most people think that if they are constantly harboring thoughts of regrets, they are guilty of living their lives through a rearview mirror. This alone causes them to live a life full of emotional baggage like becoming a control freak full of insecurities. A word in a nut shell… A condescending type of person. If this personality style has become a life long character trait of someone you know, you might want to pray about how you can help that person deal with any shame or sorrow they are harboring concerning any past regrets they wish they had handled in a different manner.
For example, you may want to think about taking a some what negative thought your friend just expressed to you and ‘confess’ that a similar incident happened to you with one of your siblings but your interaction would have seemed so petty and irritable that when you finally responded you chose to be more patient and to use words that were kinder and more thoughtful than hateful and bitter.
You might end your conversation with your friend by helping her identify any negative feelings and put her regrets in their proper place. Advise her to just revisit any past scenario, that she confesses she regrets her actions. Imagine that same scenario in a more positive manner to change it. Next, compare the new imaginable ending with the actual ending that she now regrets. In the future, suggest that she let this manner be the way she approaches how she makes decisions.
In other words, allow your heart instead of your head to be your guide. And you know Who lives in your heart!
Self-forgiveness involves four key steps:
- Take responsibility for your actions.
- Express remorse and regret without letting it transform into shame.
- Commit to making amends for any harm you caused.
- Practice self-acceptance and trust yourself to do better in the future.
Prayer for overcoming regret:
“Heavenly Father, I feel sorrowful for what I’ve said and done in the past and I carry this heavy regret because of my actions. I know this sorrow I feel is evidence of the Holy Spirit in my life, but I know You are a God filled with grace and love to help me turn from my sin. May I always seek to be right in my relationship with You. In Jesus’ name, Amen”.
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Conversations With God Using Scripture 
Thank you God for Your Grace, Love, and Forgiveness!
Amen!
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I have recently blogged on conquering ‘regrets’ before. But this topic continuously raises its overpowering head within several of the ministries I am associated with. In fact, I am presenting this topic for the second time before a Senior Citizens Group next week. So, I am doubling down on my spiritual research and ability to receive the truth for enlightening my audience by the help of the Holy Spirit. And, as for me, I, too, am constantly receiving correcting instruction on how to deal with my own life regrets each time I present advice to others. May our Master Teacher continue to lead and guide us along this troubling pathway. In the precious Name of Jesus. Amen.
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