Regrets

When you have found yourself in a situation that your actions impedes an outcome that has an adverse reaction that taints who you are by societal standards.

The thing is you made one bad decision, let's be real you made one too many bad decisions and now you are labeled. You cheated on a test and all your old friends still give you a hard time; they see it as joking but deep down you feel bad and are ashamed about it. One night you had one too many drinks and got in your car as your friends said "peace out, get home safe bro" or "Ta-Tah" or "God Bless and keep you safe as you travel"; whatever it is your group of friends say when departing from one another. It could be like me and you have been arrested one too many times and have to disclose that information on every application that has a promising career, oh yeah there is never enough space in the little box provided after you click "Yes" to " Have you ever been arrested...."

1 Corinthians 15:30-34
30 And as for us, why do we endanger ourselves every hour? 31 I face death every day—yes, just as surely as I boast about you in Christ Jesus our Lord. 32 If I fought wild beasts in Ephesus with no more than human hopes, what have I gained? If the dead are not raised,

“Let us eat and drink,

for tomorrow we die.”

33 Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.” 34 Come back to your senses as you ought, and stop sinning; for there are some who are ignorant of God—I say this to your shame.

Have you ever done something you regret?

When you follow Jesus, there is no time for regrets. There is only time for repentance and that my brothers and sisters is only available to you because Jesus died on the cross. The people you keep around you will affect who you are, will affect how you are perceived, and will inhibit you if they are not of good character; verse 33 "Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character."  

Though you still encounter moments of regret while being Christ-centered, the difference is that those regrets will more times than not, will not have an adverse affect that society or your friends will hang over your head. Through Jesus your relationships, your encounters, your job, your family, your finances, your habits, your perception, your friends, and your psyche will forever be different. 

God only has good things for you and Jesus died to ensure that those good things will transpire. You my friends have this thing called "free will" and you have a role to play in Gods plan for your life. Like any relationship you need to communicate and I thank God for Jesus because we get to go directly to God through Jesus no matter where we are. You don't need to go to church or find a priest to intercede on your behalf; that's why Jesus died.

John 14:5-7
Jesus the Way to the Father

5 Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?”
6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7 If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.”

 Now, a church or a priest is a good source to help you understand and enhance your understanding of Gods word (the Bible). No one can do the work for you to have a relationship with Jesus, just like another person can't build your relationship with your spouse. You have to put in the work by being present and learning what to do or what not to do. 

In Christ,

Brohdny Ricketts, MSW