Repentance – Regret vs Repentance (365/30)
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
We rarely like to be confronted. When mistakes are pointed out, our first instinct is often to explain ourselves—to soften the truth, highlight our good intentions, or focus on how bad we feel rather than what went wrong. In those moments, we may feel sorry, but not necessarily changed.
Saul’s failure to fully obey God’s instructions in the war against the Amalekites cost him his throne (1 Samuel 15:10-35). When Samuel questioned him, Saul insisted he had obeyed the voice of the Lord. But as Samuel persisted, Saul shifted from defense to admission: “I have sinned… because I feared the people and obeyed their voice” (v.24). He acknowledged choosing to please people over God, and his regret focused on his reputation and position (v.30).
Regret and repentance are two very different things. One focuses on loss—lost reputation, lost comfort, lost peace, while the other focuses on the relationship and realignment with God and His will. A hardened heart may admit fault, yet still resist true surrender.
Jesus said, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 4:17), calling us to heart transformation. God’s desire is not simply to make us feel better, but to make us new (2 Corinthians 5:17). It takes courage to let God address not just our actions, but the motives and fears behind them.
Pause and Ponder
How does Saul’s response help me recognize the difference between regret and repentance?
What might God be inviting me to surrender so He can make me new?
Who might I encourage through my true repentance?
True repentance is turning fully to Christ, letting His grace transform us from within.
Lord, search my heart and reveal where I settle for regret instead of true repentance. Give me the humility to surrender fully to You to be made new. Amen.
Extended reading: 1 Samuel 15:10-35
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