Daniel Pink did a survey: World Regret Survey of over 15000 people from around 105 countries in the world. He found that people regret in four broad categories. Regret is feeling bad and sad about a past event or action or behaviour that causes remorse, shame, guilt and disappointment. This is a negative state of mind that does not help. In contrast, repentance is a positive emotion that helps a person to understand his/her sinfulness, pleads for forgiveness through Lord Jesus Christ, forsakes sin and decides to lead a holy life.
Godly grief of repentance leads to salvation; while worldly grief is disaster. “For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death.” (II Corinthians 7:10) Daniel Pink’s survey gives details about this worldly grief.
1) Failure to be responsible: Adults regret not studying well in school, successful for neglecting wealth, not helpful to their spouse, contributing to a good cause…etc.
2) Failure to be bold: When there were opportunities for taking life-changing decisions, they did not. Afraid of risk, repercussions or what would others say. Many do not take a decision for Lord Jesus Christ because of this lack of courage.
3) Failure in morals: People regret moral failures like Disobedience, rebellion, selfishness that hurts others. Children regret hurting parents and vice versa. Cheating spouse by adultery or pornography and other forms of deceit.
4) Failure in relationships: Loss of family members, relatives, friends, colleagues due to neglect, indifference or being selfish or rude. This regret is more when that person dies, as there is no opportunity for reconciliation.
God is not mocked, he establishes justice. Whatever a person sows, he will reap. Those who sow righteousness with reap righteousness. Those who so abundantly, will also reap abundantly. Others who sow sparingly, will reap sparingly. (Galatians 6:8; II Corinthians 9:6)
Judas regretted his sin of betraying Lord Jesus Christ, did not repent, and was lost forever. Peter regretted and repented for denying Lord Jesus Christ but was restored.