Day Twenty-Four- Letting Go of Regret

Choices. Life is made up of choices. Sometimes we choose wisely and everything works out great. Sometimes we make a choice that results in an undesirable consequence for ourselves and possibly others. Maybe we didn’t anticipate what the consequence would be, or maybe we did, but we didn’t want to face reality. In any case, we often find ourselves filled with regret following a bad decision. 

Yes, it is important to take responsibility for our actions. Yes, it is important to learn from our mistakes so that we, hopefully, won’t repeat them. However, regret keeps us from moving on. Regret tells us that we need to keep punishing ourselves. Regret reminds us that we aren’t deserving of happiness or joy. It does nothing to improve our situation. Regret is a trap that the enemy uses to ensnare us.

How can we escape? 

• First, we need to take an honest look at the situation. What really happened? Who was affected? Exactly what were the consequences? 
•  Second, we need to examine our response to the situation. Did we make restitution? Have we apologized to those affected? Depending on the situation, this isn’t always possible or might seem small in proportion, but it is helpful to do what we can. Have we asked God to forgive us? 1 John 1:9 tells us “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” His forgiveness is always available if we will just ask.
• Third, we need to learn from our mistakes. What was the lesson learned and how can we keep this from happening again? Make a plan to do things differently in the future. 
• Finally, we need to accept was has happened and forgive ourselves. This just might be the most challenging thing any of us can do. Continuing to beat ourselves up over a situation will not change it. Give it to God and allow Him to heal your heart.

Letting go of regret sets us free to move forward and really embrace life. If you have any regret, then make a plan to deal with it today!

“Just think how much more the blood of Christ will purify our consciences from sinful deeds so that we can worship the living God. For by the power of the eternal Spirit, Christ offered himself to God as a perfect sacrifice for our sins.” ~Hebrews 9:14

Day Twenty-Three- Letting Go of Bitterness

Bitterness is one of the most destructive forces we can ever hold in our hearts. It eats away at our very core, stealing our joy. Bitterness can actually bring about physical illness. It causes division, ends relationships, and is just plain miserable. It doesn’t make any sense to hang on to it, yet so many people do. How do we begin to let go of bitterness?

At the very root of bitterness is unforgiveness. We’ve all experienced hurt at one time or another. Some wounds are small and shallow. Some wounds are big and deep. If we are quick to attend to the wound, then healing can begin. Forgiveness promotes healing. But, if we hang on to the hurt or offense, then the wound won’t heal. Unforgiveness keeps us from healing. Perhaps you’ve heard the saying “Unforgiveness is like eating rat poison and then waiting for the rat to die.” It only hurts us. It doesn’t change the situation or the one who caused the pain. If we want to let go of bitterness, then we need to forgive.

Forgiveness does not relieve the other person of responsibility or justify the situation. Choosing to forgive means that you will no longer live as a victim. You will no longer allow that pain and hurt to control your life. Yes, it is challenging. Life is full of injustices. However, we punish ourselves when we refuse to forgive. Thankfully we don’t have to rely on our own power. God’s grace is more than enough to help us through these situations. We can turn to Him in our time of need.

Are you harboring areas of unforgiveness in your heart? Do you have some roots of bitterness that need to be removed? Choose forgiveness and start letting go of bitterness today!

“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” ~Ephesians 4:32