Everyone makes mistakes in life, and we learn from our mistakes. If someone is hurt as a result of our mistake, it is imperative that we ask for forgiveness. In order to be forgiven, however, we must regret our actions. Sounds simple enough, yet more is needed.
This week’s Torah portion discusses three ways to express regretting sinful actions. These three expressions represent the different levels of the severity of the sin. The Code of Jewish Law adds that the main outcome of regret is that one resolves to not make the same mistake again.
However, does this statement mean that we don’t have to regret the past, but only make a resolution for the future?
The short answer is yes, but it comes with a big “but.” Is it truly possible to change ourselves without first fully understanding what made us make the mistake in the first place? No. So although it is not imperative to regret that past, we cannot truly move on without regretting it. On the other hand, if we don’t change our behavior and begin to behave in a better way, it may indicate that our regret was not sincere.
The lesson for us is that although we must regret our past, it is even more important that we change our behavior for the future. That is ultimately why the Code of Jewish law places emphasis on the future.