Outward Devotion, Inward Emptiness
The answer is that external adherence to the commandments does not guarantee a true inner transformation. The “fleshly father,” despite his apparent observance of prescribed practices, does not experience deep, inner repentance nor does he cultivate the mercy necessary for the genuine transformation of his heart. As one excerpt from source link txt states:“They do not require,” He says, “a healthy doctor, but one who is ailing. Terrible cruelty toward oneself is a rejection of repentance! Terrible coldness, self-unlove, is negligence regarding repentance. One who is cruel to oneself cannot help but be cruel to others.”These lines indicate that the cruelty toward oneself—resulting from an inner rejection of repentance—inevitably extends to those around him, including his children. That is, even though the father observes the commandments, his inner state remains unhealed; there is an absence of genuine repentance that should have awakened compassion and self-love, and, by extension, love for his loved ones. It is precisely this unchanging “fleshly” nature, devoid of spiritual renewal, that becomes the root cause of his cruel behavior toward his son.Thus, cruelty manifests because inner spiritual restoration and a true sense of repentance do not accompany mere external obedience to the commandments, leaving a person bound by his “fleshly” nature—a nature that reveals itself in the ruthless treatment of his son.Supporting quote:“They do not require,” He says, “a healthy doctor, but one who is ailing. Terrible cruelty toward oneself is a rejection of repentance! Terrible coldness, self-unlove, is negligence regarding repentance. One who is cruel to oneself cannot help but be cruel to others.” (source: link txt)