The True Measure of Repentance

In the pursuit of understanding how much a person deserves an apology, it is important to pay attention to their ability to acknowledge mistakes and genuinely regret what they have done. If a person is incapable of openly admitting their own misdeeds, leaving room for excuses, it is difficult to speak of true repentance. Such an approach calls into question their moral responsibility and capacity for self-analysis. By analyzing an individual's behavior, we see that a refusal to engage in self-criticism and a reluctance to change—even when their actions clearly deviate from generally accepted norms—can serve as strong grounds for withholding forgiveness. When an individual does not strive to understand and make amends for their mistakes, their attempts to apologize become nothing more than an empty gesture, devoid of real meaning. This perspective helps us clearly distinguish who truly deserves forgiveness and who remains in delusion, unwilling to accept responsibility for their actions.

What grounds can be cited for considering some people unworthy of apologies?

The grounds for considering certain people unworthy of apologies can be found in their inability to sincerely acknowledge their mistakes and in the lack of genuine repentance for what they have done. If a person is not willing to openly admit their misdeeds, to offer a sincere “I’m sorry” without resorting to excuses, then their refusal to engage in self-condemnation casts doubt on their moral responsibility for their actions. As one of the sources states:

"To acknowledge one's sins means to say that such and such sin was committed by us; and to confess them means to condemn oneself for them, to say, 'I'm at fault,' without allowing any excuses or apologies. 'I have sinned, I am at fault'—these two words must be spoken above all, spoken sincerely." (source: 1465_7321.txt)

Furthermore, if a person continues to act against generally accepted norms and the laws of nature, refusing to change or admit their mistake, such insistence on delusion can also serve as grounds for refusing to accept their apology. This opinion is reflected in the following passage:

"It appears that none of us truly follow the laws of nature. If among you there are people who are exceptions, I offer them my apologies. To these people I would advise reading some other book, because everything I am about to discuss here does not pertain to them. So, let us return to ordinary human beings. I hope that you will not misunderstand what I am about to say." (source: 760_3797.txt)

Thus, a moral deficiency in the standard of self-criticism and an inability to change one’s behavior can serve as serious grounds for considering a person unworthy of apologies. If a person does not understand and admit their sins, does not feel genuine remorse, and continues to act contrary to moral norms, then they have lost the opportunity to earn forgiveness from both their loved ones and within a broader moral context.

Supporting citation(s):
"To acknowledge one's sins means to say that such and such sin was committed by us; and to confess them means to condemn oneself for them, to say, 'I'm at fault,' without allowing any excuses or apologies. 'I have sinned, I am at fault'—these two words must be spoken above all, spoken sincerely." (source: 1465_7321.txt)

"It appears that none of us truly follow the laws of nature. If among you there are people who are exceptions, I offer them my apologies. To these people I would advise reading some other book, because everything I am about to discuss here does not pertain to them. So, let us return to ordinary human beings. I hope that you will not misunderstand what I am about to say." (source: 760_3797.txt)