True Repentance: An Inner Journey Beyond Coercion

Whenever it comes to genuine repentance, it is important to understand that it begins within the individual. True repentance is not simply a reaction to threats or punishments, but a profound inner transformation in which the soul itself strives to correct its errors. After all, if forgiveness is granted solely under pressure, it loses its sincere meaning, becoming a result of fear rather than true change.

In many ways, true forgiveness is based on a personal choice when a person becomes aware of their responsibility and seeks to amend, without relying on external manipulation. It is an internal process during which the pangs of conscience turn into the motivation for change, rather than merely a reaction to threats. Genuine repentance manifests itself in humility and a desire to accept mercy, which helps one move forward and transform life for the better.

In conclusion, only an internally experienced healing and a desire for change can provide true freedom from past mistakes. Freedom from fear and coercion—this is what makes genuine repentance the foundation for a new, more enlightened path in life.

Can we talk about true repentance if forgiveness is offered solely under conditions of threat?

The answer is as follows: true repentance implies an inner change, sincere humility, and a desire for correction rather than merely a response to the threat of punishment. If forgiveness is provided exclusively under conditions of pressure or threat, the motivation remains external, based on fear rather than a genuine desire to change. One source notes that the pangs of conscience, which can be likened to a reaction to threat, are not the same as true repentance: “It is likely that Judas had pangs of conscience, but there was no repentance” (source: 755_3771.txt). This indicates that only internally and sincerely experienced repentance can lead to true change. Additionally, another source emphasizes that true forgiveness is accompanied not by a formal or forced confession but by a profound personal transformation, when a person becomes aware of and accepts God’s mercy without coercion (source: 1490_7445.txt). Thus, if forgiveness is offered solely under threat, it is a case of forced behavior rather than free and sincere repentance.

Supporting citation(s):
"Some believers are tormented by the memory of sins committed in the past or recurring after confession. They say that they repent by mistaking pangs of conscience for true repentance. But can regret for wrongful actions really be considered repentance? … It is likely that Judas had pangs of conscience, but there was no repentance." (source: 755_3771.txt)

"‘I forgive you,’ says the priest here on earth. … And there, His Holy Spirit Himself confirms it. … And the more I witness God’s mercy toward me, the more I must fear God’s wrath." (source: 1490_7445.txt)