Found in Humility
Regret is a Thief
Reflecting on Genesis 32. Jacob is preparing to meet up with Esau and the regrets of younger years are producing fear of retribution and stealing his peace. I can identify with Jacob here and I can think of two reasons for what Jacob is experiencing. The first would be that there is indeed something Jacob needs to come to terms with. His actions caused harm regardless of the fact that he may or may not have been justified in what he did or that he was simply obeying his mother. He went along with it whether or not he knew what he was doing at the time. Secondly, he needs to recognize and apply the wisdom maturity has brought him. He is a bit older than he was and has experienced similar deceitfulness that he used against Esau. He reaped what he sowed. Time to "face the music" and he's getting a chance to do it in person. Esau was on his way.
Starting a new year can bring reflection of the old and Jacob isn’t alone in having regrets. Everyone has them and they can produce shame and fear, just like Jacob experienced. And like Jacob, some even try to gift their way to forgiveness, I know I have. I remember laying awake at night agonizing over past mistakes made wishing for a “do over.” However, wallowing in regret or remorse over past decisions and mistakes only stole my peace and joy, (not to mention my sleep) it never did fix or change anything regarding in the past. On a positive note, the past cannot define who we are presently, nor can it determine what the future will be. If regret is experienced, it is because maturity has allowed us to see the difference between right and wrong, and it takes humility (not humiliation) to accept the difference and respond accordingly.
Remaining in a "regretful or remorseful" place does not make one mature nor does in in any way make things “right”. It is not a way to stay “humble,” either as some Christian traditions tend to indicate by constant "sin and damnation" teachings. Christ already paid for our sins and remaining in that place of condemnation adds nothing to the present, it does not edify anyone. The constant state of condemnation simply denies the saving transformation of Christ at conversion. The abundant life intended by Christ for those who believe, is found through Christ's forgiveness (for self and others) which He made available for all to embrace and walk in the way of blessing.
Don’t get caught in regret. With humility, embrace the forgiveness that in yours in Him for yourself and others, and move forward.
Know Christ, know peace (wholeness).
~Anne
