Remorse, a Condition for Repentance
One of the conditions for repentance is to feel remorse for the prohibitions committed and the obligations neglected. Repentance requires genuine, heartfelt regret for one’s actions. It’s akin to someone who has suffered from a physical illness and now sincerely does not wish to become sick again. For instance, imagine someone who had kidney stones or appendicitis; now, when they recall it, do they wish even one percent that those illnesses would come back to them?
When a person recalls their past afflictions, they never wish to be entangled with them again and feel distressed by that physical illness[1]. This spiritual malady is a form of disease, and one must escape it. One should contemplate whether not committing past mistakes is merely due to an inability, age, or lack of resources, or if they are genuinely averse to repeating those errors, much like avoiding a physical illness. If a person becomes someone who, like avoiding a physical ailment, seeks refuge from spiritual illness, they have indeed embarked on genuine repentance.
Now, let’s turn our attention to ourselves. Are our repentances truly like this? None of us desires the return of even the simplest past maladies. However, are we equally distressed about spiritual illness and our sins? The real ailment is the spiritual one, as a true patient is one who commits sins.[2]
[1] Physical illness sometimes involves pain or an imbalance in the normal functioning of the mind and body. There are signs that indicate physical illness. Spiritual illness is much harder to detect.
[2] Physical illness is of a limited nature. Worst case scenario is death. Spiritual illness is a much more serios and eternal matter, and once we leave this world, there is no avenue of recourse.
