The Power of Fearing Sin Over Punishment

PIRKEI AVOS OF THE WEEK

In contrast, we fear the sin itself, not merely fear of the punishment

None of these claims can convince the individual to sin. Even though he derives pleasure from the transgression, he still separates himself from Hashem. Even if he does Teshuvah later, he is diminishing his connection with G-d. This is something that a Jew would not find tolerable, even for a moment. That is because each Jew has an eternal light of Hashem within his soul.

(Adapted from the Maamor (Chassidic discourse) Ki Siso, 5713)

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