by TLThomas
Regret: The Push Toward Repentance
Posted on 2026-09-17 by TLThomas
The Ten Days of Repentance
How much of your life, your actions, do you truly Regret?
Regret has many facets:
Regret that you DID something
Regret that you DIDN’T DO something
Regret that you GOT CAUGHT doing something
Regret that you haven’t made a “Bucket List” or had all the adventures you’ve dreamed of
Regret that you’re not where you thought you’d be in your personal relationships – family, friends
Regret that you’re not where you thought you’d be in your personal achievements – education, self-development, attractiveness
Regret that you’re not where you thought you’d be in your career success – money, power, status, influence
Regret that you’re such a sinner that no one, not even God will, or even can, forgive you
Regret: The Push toward Repentance
The primary Regrets I have are the times (yes, many times) I have disappointed YHVH (and myself, upon realization) by my thoughts, words, actions (of both commission AND omission).
As it is said, … the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.
Matthew 26:41 NASB Mark 14:38 NASB
Taking Regret to the Father
I think the Regret we’re to have whenever we come before the Father needs to be a special Regret. Yes, we regret our actions/ inactions, words: said and unsaid, that have negatively affected our human-to-human connections, our personal relationships with each other.
We can, and do, regret these things deeply, with remorse and sorrow.
Nevertheless, Regret about our relationship with the Father affects our life and our afterlife.
The things, done or undone, which are against the Father’s Will and Purpose for our life, have consequences, with a long and permanent effect.
As such, our Regret needs to be even deeper than with our fellow humans.
Our regret needs to be even more sorrowful and sorrow-filled by the brokenness of our relationship with the Father.
But NO “Worm Theology”
However, I’m NOT talking about what I call “Worm Theology.” According to “Worm Theology” there is no lasting forgiveness, no reconciled relationship with the Father.
It’s “once a worm, always a worm.”
It’s “once a sinner, always a sinner.”
Now I’m not saying that this is being taught with words; but I do believe this concept is taught through body language and non-verbal means.
It’s when people receive the message:
“You are a ‘worm.’”
“You are of no worth or value.”
“You are a wretched sinner, depraved beyond measure.”
“You are an abject and dissolute sinner, never to be raised from the mire of human depravity and iniquity.”
And more.
Those who come to believe these lies continue to live in the identity of “sinner”
– even after confession, profession, redemption, salvation, forgiveness.
– even after they have received citizenship in the “now but not yet” Kingdom.
I once had quite a “discussion” at a Bible study when I replied, “No,” to the question about whether I was a sinner or not. He threw 1 John 1:8-10 at me.
8 If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us.
9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous, so that He will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar and His word is not in us. 1 John 1:8-10 NASB
I replied, to the effect: “I am saved (indeed, being saved). Therefore, I’m not a sinner.”
He continued to argue: because I said I wasn’t a sinner, according to 1 John 1:8-10, that meant I was a liar. I don’t think he ever understood that I was NOT saying, “I never sin.”
I was saying, “I’m not a sinner. That’s no longer my identity. Instead, I’m a saint who, at times, sins.” And, as such, I need to Regret my sin and take the path back to right relationship with Father YHVH.
That path continues with …
Repentance.
More… next time.
Blessings,
TLThomas
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