Have you ever heard the expression, "God hates the sin, but loves the sinner." This is true. When you accept Jesus Christ as Lord and you repent of your past sins, your sins are forgiven. In your prayers make sure that you continue to ask God to keep your life free from sin. He will forgive you your confessed sins. Read 1 John 1:9, and Hebrews 10: 19-23.
It takes a real man to accept God's forgiveness and live a decent life in a world that may not forgive him. The question is, if God is God and He is the creator and keeper of the universe, and He forgives you - just who do you think you are if you do not forgive yourself? There still are consequences of past sin. All sin carries a price tag - that's probably why you are in prison. But you are forgiven.
Here's a story that will help you understand this better. There was a boy whose father drove a nail into the barn door every time his son did something wrong. It wasn't long until there were a lot of nails in the door. Then the boy accepted Christ as his Savior. To help his son understand the wonder of this new forgiveness, the father pulled every nail out of the door. His son was deeply impressed with the nails being gone. Then he looked closer at the door and asked, "But how do I get rid of the holes?" His father's answer was simple but powerful. He said, "I'm sorry, son, they will always remain."
So while you are still experiencing the consequences of your sin - your time in prison for instance - your sins are forgiven. Take God at His word and receive the joy of that forgiveness. Read Psalm 32: 1-2, and Psalm 103: 11-12. The blood of Jesus is more than enough to cover all sin. Read Romans 5: 9-11.
Apologizing to loved ones you have hurt would almost always be in order. Apologizing to those others you have committed crimes against is probably not advisable or practical. The key is to repent to God and live a life of integrity and do no more crime. Take time to pray about this, or ask your chaplain or an outside brother if you have any questions about this. Read Philippians 4: 6-7.
Remember, if others cannot forgive you, that's their problem. Be patient, because it is hard for some people to forgive. Pray that they will understand what is said in the Lord's Prayer - "Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors." Read Matthew 6:12. One way to help them along is to live a Christian life. We call this "letting your light shine". Read Matthew 5:16. Once a person sees your changed life, they will be more likely to forgive you.
Let's talk now about regret. The Apostle Paul still regretted his attacks on the early Christians more than 20 years later. Read 1 Timothy 1: 12-16. Though he could not undo the past, he did what God wanted him to and accomplished much. Past mistakes need not destroy our lives even when we cannot undo them. Remember, you can regret what you have done and still be forgiven and even be useful in God's kingdom. Look at all the good Paul did! You can read about this in the book of Acts. If you feel like a failure about your past, remember that those who are in Christ are not judged guilty. Read Romans 8:1.
Seeking forgiveness - Psalm 32 and 51.
We are all the same in Christ Jesus - Galatians 3: 27-28.
Once saved, you are forgiven so you are now an "ex-thief," "ex-murderer," ex-homosexual," etc. Ephesians 2: 1-10.
If you slip - 1 John 1:9.
The blessings following repentance - 2 Chronicles 7:14.
Loneliness while in prison can be a very overwhelming thing. The Apostle Paul was in prison three times. He also felt the isolation and discouragement of being a prisoner, but he never despaired. He even felt confidence and joy. Read Acts 16: 19-40, and Acts 22 to 28.
You do not have to be lonely. If you practice the things you are being taught as a Christian, God will be with you. If God is with you, then you have a personal relationship with Him through Jesus, and you need not be lonely. He will comfort you. He is your best friend. He has promised never to leave you. Read Hebrews 13:5.
When you are released from prison or even while in prison you will want to hang out with positive Christians that will encourage you. Finding a church or church leader you can write to, or have a one on one basis with while you are serving your time will limit your feelings of isolation. Attend the Sunday services that are offered in prison, and other helpful Bible or Chapel sessions.
Find a Christian friend that you can relate with. Friends take time, so most of us do not have many close ones. But the investment is worth it, especially when you need a friend. One way to keep a friend is not to talk about him behind his back. Read Proverbs 16:28. A friend is someone who knows all about you, and loves you anyway no matter what you have done in the past, so it goes to reason that you too must invest what it takes to know all about your friend. Be more concerned about being a friend than having a friend. A man that has friends must show himself friendly. Read Proverbs 18: 24. Pray for your friends, and let them know you are praying for them. Greed leads to loneliness. One way to handle greed is to share with a friend. So start doing things for others. If loneliness gets to you, then read and study Psalm 27 and Psalm 139. You will see how loved you are by God. You will never fall beyond Christ's love because it is wider and longer and higher and deeper than anything. Christ's love is greater than anyone can ever know. Read Ephesians 3: 18-19.