A New Way of Looking at Repenting | Alireza Panahian

A New Way of Looking at Repenting

Honestly, sometimes when we repent to God, for any reason that we have to talk about our sins and ask for forgiveness, we are slightly annoyed that we have to talk about it with God. “God forgive our sins and let’s stop talking about this topic. I am being tortured very much. I don’t like to talk about it anymore. Don’t You talk about it either. I was forced to say it one time.”

When we look at the words of the Commander of the Faithful, Ali (‘a), we see that he looks for an excuse to talk about sin. “O Imam, we who are sinners don’t like to talk about our sins! You haven’t sinned at all. Why do you talk about sinning so much?! What enjoyment do you derive from talking with God about sinning, O Commander of the Faithful?!”

When I want to talk to God and repent, this part is hard for me. I want to finish it sooner, put it aside, God to forgive me, and I don’t talk about it anymore. Someone should tell me, “You’re crazy!” The fact that you have sinned is a golden opportunity. You can talk with God about it until the end of your life. Why are you so off the topic?! Why do you feel annoyed, want to finish it quickly and put it aside?!”

Even if God forgives you, you can go to Him every night and talk with Him in different ways, “God, when I did this sin, I had forgotten You.” Another night say, “When I did that sin, I had forgotten Your blessings.” Another night say it differently, “What should I do if You don’t forgive my sin?”

Those who understand the beauty of this relationship don’t love sinning. They hate sinning. But, they love repenting. They repent even without sinning. And God, He loves the repentance of His servant, sometimes even more than the servant’s worshiping! Therefore, none of the ‘Friends of God’ talk about how much they have worshiped God. They know their Master doesn’t like this talk.

For example, someone says, “I prayed this prayer! I prayed that prayer!” That’s enough! But, someone says, “I was wrong. I made a mistake. I apologize.” Say it. Say it. Continue.

It has been narrated in Osul Kafi that people asked Imam Baqir (‘a), “As long as we are in your presence, we feel very good. But when we leave you, we feel very bad. When we are here, we are really motivated to worship. But when we go, we gradually start sinning.” The Imam replied, “If you weren’t the ones who sin and then repent to God, God would have created others to sin and then repent.” Don’t be so hopeless because you sometimes sin.

“God, a servant who doesn’t sin is not a servant. He or she is an angel. You have created me. It is kind of obvious that behind Your warnings, when I sin you become a little happy! You say, ‘Now My servant will start repenting.’” The relationship has been formed.

Those who understand the beauty of this relationship don’t love sinning. They hate sinning. But, they love repenting. They repent even without sinning. And God, He loves the repentance of His servant, sometimes even more than the servant’s worshiping!