Skip to main content

Regret isn't Wrong

Genesis 6:6 And the LORD regretted that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him to his heart. (ESV)

(I know that that does not sound like an optimistic way to start a devotional, but bear with me for just a moment.)
The thing that sticks out to me from this verse is the word "regret". I think so often in our culture, we feel that regrets mean we've done something wrong. But it doesn't. God is perfect, so He never messed up, and yet He is capable of feeling regret. So, regret is not a sin indicator. I think that often the devil uses regret to try to make us turn around, even if we're headed on the right path. For example, let's say you knew that your friends were cheating on a test, so you told the teacher. If they made fun of you or got mad at you later, you might regret your decision to tell the teacher what was going on. That doesn't mean you did the wrong thing--you very much did the right thing by telling your teacher what happened and trying to help your friends be honest.

The only sin indicator in our lives is guilt, but that's also something that the devil tries to twist. False guilt can come from the devil and is meant to distract you from accomplishing the things God has for you to do. So, when guilt strikes, pray for discernment and remember Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. (ESV)
Also, 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (ESV)
If you have admitted your sin to Jesus, asked for forgiveness, and turned from it, you are forgiven. Any remaining guilt is false guilt.

Finally, Genesis 6:6 is important to keep in mind because it shows us why we should strive to keep from sinning even though Jesus will always forgive us. This verse shows us that our sin grieves the heart of God because he hates to see us hurting ourselves, and if we truly love God, we will want to grieve Him as little as possible.
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Memory Verse Ideas

I've compiled a list of some verses and passages that would be beneficial to memorize. However, keep in mind that this is a list of verses that personally resonated with me. Any verse you memorize will benefit you as all scripture is beneficial. Here I've given a general idea of what the verse deals with so that you can quickly find something that will speak to your season and memorize it. Genesis 1:1--God is all powerful Exodus 2:25--God is all knowing Psalm 4:8---peaceful sleep Psalm 8:3-4--God is big Psalm 59:10--God is loving Psalm 89:32-33--God is loving, even when punishment comes Psalm 93:4--God is mighty Psalm 97:5--God is powerful Psalm 145:17-20--this passage lists a lot of traits of God (righteousness, kindness, all knowing, loving, etc.) Matthew 6:27--anxious thoughts are futile Matthew 9:36--Jesus is compassionate Matthew 12:35--good leads to good, bad leads to bad Matthew 18:14--God wants all to be saved Mark 1:35--talks about prayer Mark 2:17--thi
Post a Comment
Read more

Summer Self-Image Struggler

Dear Giselle, I struggle a lot with my self-image, and I feel so uncomfortable in the summer because the clothes are so much smaller. What can I do to feel less self-conscious about my weight? Thanks in advance, Summer Self-Image Struggler Dear Summer Self-Image Struggler Summer is often a time when people feel most self-conscious about their bodies, but there are a few things I would suggest that can help alleviate those concerns and boost your self-confidence. First, I would suggest you look up Bible verses to memorize about how much God loves you. No where does God say anything about loving skinny people more than fat people or blonds more than brunettes. In fact, in 1 Samuel 16:7 it says, But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do noy look on his appearance, or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart." (ESV). Remind yourself often of this truth because G
Post a Comment
Read more

REAL Packing List Ideas for College Move-In

Last year for my first year of college, I packed well in some areas and not so well in others. Here's the things I suggest you bring and tips for making your move-in (and eventual move-out) a piece of cake. General ideas: Wall mirror--this may already be provided in the dorm, but try to check before so you can plan accordingly. Shower caddy--you'll likely have to carry shampoo, conditioner, body wash, shavers, etc. to the shower every time you shower, so a sturdy container with handles that will sit in the shower or hang on available hooks will definitely come in handy a drying rack--the smaller, or more foldable the better, but sometimes clothes have to be hung to dry and this will come in handy. It's also helpful if the dryer malfunctions and you don't have the time to wait for another cycle. You'll also want a small bathmat to lay under the drying rack, so that you don't ruin the floor. Stain removers--you'll be surprised how often you stain thing
Post a Comment
Read more