Regret is a heavy burden. It keeps people stuck in the past, replaying mistakes and missed opportunities. The Bible offers wisdom on how to deal with regret in a godly way. It teaches that godly sorrow leads to repentance, not despair. Scripture shows that God forgives, restores, and redeems even the worst failures.
Many biblical figures struggled with regret, but those who turned to God found hope. Letting go of regret requires faith, repentance, and trust in God’s grace. This guide will explore key Bible verses, real-life examples, and practical steps to release regret and move forward in faith.
Key Bible Verses to Help Deal with Regret
#1. 2 Corinthians 7:10
“For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death.”
Not all regret is the same. The Bible distinguishes between godly sorrow and worldly sorrow. Godly sorrow leads to repentance—a sincere turning away from sin and toward God. It brings healing and salvation. Worldly sorrow, however, leads to despair and spiritual death because it focuses on guilt rather than change. Instead of being consumed by past mistakes, believers should allow regret to drive them toward God’s forgiveness and transformation.
#2. Philippians 3:13-14
“Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
Paul had a past filled with mistakes. He persecuted Christians before encountering Christ. Yet, he chose not to dwell on his past failures. Instead, he focused on his new identity in Christ. Letting go of regret means looking ahead, not backward. Dwelling on the past keeps believers from fulfilling God’s purpose.
#3. Isaiah 43:18-19
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”
God calls His people to focus on His work in the present and future, rather than dwelling on past mistakes. Regret often keeps people trapped, but God is constantly at work, bringing renewal. No past failure is greater than God’s ability to restore and create something new.
#4. Psalm 103:12
“As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.”
God’s forgiveness is complete and permanent. Many struggle with regret because they continue to hold onto guilt, even after confessing their sins. But God removes sins entirely, never bringing them up again. Believers should accept this forgiveness and refuse to let past sins define them.
#5. 1 John 1:9
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
Confession is key to moving past regret. When believers acknowledge their failures before God, He forgives completely. His faithfulness guarantees forgiveness, no matter how serious the mistake. Regret loses its power when met with God’s mercy.
#6. Romans 8:28
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.”
Even past failures and regrets can be used for good. God redeems mistakes, using them for His purposes. Rather than dwelling on failures, believers should trust that God can bring something good out of them. Nothing is wasted in God’s hands.
#7. Hebrews 8:12
“For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.”
God chooses to forget sins that have been forgiven. If God does not remember past sins, believers should not hold onto them either. Regret should not linger where forgiveness has been given.
#8. Proverbs 28:13
“Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.”
Hiding sin leads to more guilt and regret. True freedom comes through confession and repentance. God offers mercy to those who acknowledge their mistakes. Covering up past wrongs only deepens regret, while honesty leads to healing.
#9. Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.”
Regret often comes from a fear that past mistakes have ruined God’s plan. But God’s purpose remains greater than any failure. His plans are still in place, offering hope and restoration. No mistake is too big to derail God’s purpose for a believer’s life.
People in the Bible Who Had to Deal with Regret
#1. King Saul
King Saul had great potential but let pride, disobedience, and fear lead to his downfall. He repeatedly ignored God’s commands, such as when he offered an unlawful sacrifice (1 Samuel 13:8-14) and failed to completely destroy the Amalekites as God instructed (1 Samuel 15:1-23). Rather than repenting sincerely, he made excuses and sought to justify his actions. His regret was not godly sorrow but a fear of losing power and status.
Saul’s story warns against partial obedience and unrepentant regret. Instead of turning to God for mercy, he was consumed by jealousy and bitterness, especially toward David. His unresolved regret led him into paranoia, destruction, and ultimately, despair (1 Samuel 31:4). True repentance, not just regret, is necessary for restoration.
#2. Judas Iscariot
Judas betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver (Matthew 26:14-16), but his regret did not lead to repentance. Instead of seeking forgiveness, he tried to fix his mistake on his own by returning the money (Matthew 27:3-5). When he saw that Jesus was condemned, he was overcome with sorrow but did not turn to God.
Judas’ story highlights the difference between regret and repentance. Instead of seeking mercy, he allowed his guilt to consume him. His life ended in tragedy because he did not believe in God’s grace and redemption. His regret serves as a warning: feeling sorry for sin is not enough—one must turn to God for forgiveness and restoration.
#3. Peter
Peter denied Jesus three times (Luke 22:54-62), despite previously declaring that he would never forsake Him. His failure was immediate and heartbreaking, leading him to weep bitterly when he realized what he had done. Unlike Judas, Peter’s regret led him to true repentance. He did not run away from Jesus—he returned to Him.
After Jesus’ resurrection, Peter was restored by Christ (John 21:15-17). Jesus reaffirmed Peter’s calling, showing that past failures do not disqualify a person from God’s plan. Peter went on to become a bold leader in the early church. His story shows that godly sorrow leads to redemption and purpose.
#4. David
King David experienced deep regret after committing adultery with Bathsheba and orchestrating her husband’s death (2 Samuel 11). When confronted by the prophet Nathan, David did not make excuses but genuinely repented (2 Samuel 12:13). His sorrow was evident in Psalm 51, where he pleaded for God’s mercy and cleansing.
Despite the consequences of his actions, David’s relationship with God was restored. He trusted in God’s grace and continued to seek Him. His story shows that even great failures can be redeemed when there is true repentance. Regret should not lead to hopelessness but to renewed dependence on God.
#5. Esau
Esau traded his birthright for a bowl of stew (Genesis 25:29-34), a decision he later deeply regretted. When he realized the full weight of his loss, he sought his father’s blessing with tears, but it was too late (Hebrews 12:16-17). His regret was bitter, but he could not undo his reckless decision.
Esau’s story is a warning about the danger of making impulsive, short-sighted choices. Regret alone does not change consequences. However, his later reconciliation with Jacob (Genesis 33) shows that while some losses cannot be reversed, healing and peace can still be found.
#6. Cain
Cain killed his brother Abel out of jealousy (Genesis 4:3-8). When confronted by God, he did not repent but complained about his punishment (Genesis 4:13-14). His regret was not over his sin but over its consequences. Instead of seeking God’s mercy, he distanced himself even further from Him.
Cain’s life demonstrates that without true repentance, regret can lead to isolation and bitterness. God had given him a chance to do what was right (Genesis 4:6-7), but he refused. His story is a lesson that unresolved regret can lead to greater sin and separation from God.
#7. King Ahab
King Ahab’s regret was often shallow and temporary. He disobeyed God repeatedly, especially in marrying Jezebel and leading Israel into deep idolatry (1 Kings 16:30-33). When confronted by Elijah, Ahab sometimes showed regret but never fully turned back to God.
One moment of regret came when he humbled himself after hearing Elijah’s prophecy of judgment (1 Kings 21:27-29). God delayed judgment because of Ahab’s response, showing that even small steps toward humility matter. However, Ahab never truly repented, and his continued rebellion led to his downfall. His story warns against temporary regret without lasting change.
How to Biblically Let Go of Regret
#1. Acknowledge the Regret
Regret must first be honestly recognized and admitted. Many try to suppress or ignore their guilt, but God calls for truthfulness. Psalm 32:5 says, “Then I acknowledged my sin to You and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.’ And You forgave the guilt of my sin.”
Ignoring regret does not make it go away. David, after his sin with Bathsheba, only found relief when he acknowledged his guilt before God (2 Samuel 12:13). Owning up to mistakes is the first step toward healing. Without acknowledgment, there can be no repentance or restoration.
#2. Repent and Seek Forgiveness
Regret should lead to true repentance, not just sorrow over consequences. Acts 3:19 says, “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.” Repentance is not just feeling bad—it is turning away from sin and toward God.
Seeking God’s forgiveness is essential. 1 John 1:9 reminds believers that “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” God does not withhold mercy from those who sincerely repent. Once forgiven, a person no longer needs to carry regret.
#3. Accept God’s Grace and Mercy
Many struggle with regret because they do not fully accept God’s forgiveness. They continue to dwell on past failures, feeling unworthy of grace. But Romans 8:1 declares, “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Once God has forgiven, believers must forgive themselves.
Psalm 103:12 states, “As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.” Holding onto regret after receiving God’s mercy is unnecessary and harmful. God does not remind us of forgiven sins, so we should not keep bringing them up either.
#4. Let Go of the Past
Dwelling on past mistakes prevents spiritual growth and healing. Paul understood this well, writing in Philippians 3:13-14, “Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
Letting go does not mean forgetting lessons learned. It means refusing to be controlled by past failures. Isaiah 43:18-19 reminds believers, “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!” God wants His people to move forward, not live in the shadows of regret.
#5. Trust in God’s Plan
Regret often leads to doubts about the future, but God’s plan is never ruined by past mistakes. Jeremiah 29:11 reassures, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Even past failures can be used for good. Romans 8:28 promises, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him.” God can redeem mistakes and turn them into testimonies of His grace. Instead of worrying about wasted time, believers should trust that God is still leading them forward.
#6. Move Forward in Faith
Regret paralyzes when it is not surrendered to God. Moving forward requires faith in His promises. Isaiah 41:10 says, “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”
God’s strength enables believers to rise above regret and walk in confidence, not shame. Peter denied Jesus but was later restored and became a leader in the early church (John 21:15-17). His story proves that failure does not define a person—God’s calling does.
#7. Reflect and Learn from the Experience
Regret can be a powerful teacher when handled correctly. Proverbs 3:5-6 instructs, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Every mistake is an opportunity for growth.
Rather than dwelling on past failures, believers should ask what God wants them to learn from the experience. David, after his sin, grew in wisdom and humility, leading to a stronger faith. Godly regret leads to transformation, not despair.
#8. Reconcile Where Necessary
Some regrets come from broken relationships and unresolved conflicts. The Bible encourages making amends where possible. Matthew 5:23-24 says, “If you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.”
Seeking reconciliation is an act of obedience and healing. Not every situation can be repaired, but where it is possible, believers should seek peace (Romans 12:18). Holding onto unresolved guilt only deepens regret. Making things right when possible frees the heart to move forward.
Closing Thoughts
Regret can weigh heavily on the heart, but God provides a way to move forward. Through repentance, faith, and trust in His promises, believers can let go of past mistakes and walk in freedom. The Bible makes it clear that no failure is too great for God to redeem.
Letting go of regret is not about ignoring the past but learning from it and allowing God to shape a better future. Those who surrender their regrets to Him will find grace, healing, and a renewed sense of purpose.