Contrition vs. Repentance — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 13, 2024
Difference Between Contrition and Repentance
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Contrition is primarily an emotional response characterized by deep regret and sorrow for having committed sins or wrongdoing. On the other hand, repentance involves not only regret but also a commitment to change one's behavior and make amends.
The concept of contrition includes an element of self-reproach and is often associated with personal guilt and the desire for forgiveness. Whereas repentance extends beyond feelings of guilt to include proactive steps towards correcting the wrong actions and preventing future misdeeds.
In many religious contexts, contrition is considered a prerequisite for receiving forgiveness from God; it is about feeling truly sorry for one's sins. Conversely, repentance is often seen as the next step, involving a deliberate decision to turn away from sin and seek a new path that aligns more closely with moral or spiritual laws.
Contrition can occur in the privacy of one's thoughts and feelings, often bringing about a quiet, internal resolution to seek forgiveness. On the other hand, repentance may be demonstrated outwardly through actions such as restitution, confession to those harmed, or public declarations of change.
While contrition may involve an acute sense of sadness and emotional pain, it does not inherently include the intention to act differently in the future. Repentance, however, is inherently action-oriented; it is about actively seeking to change one’s ways and behaviors.
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Psychologically, contrition affects an individual by creating feelings of shame and unworthiness, which can be catalysts for seeking redemption. In contrast, repentance not only addresses the emotional state but also moves towards rectifying the situation, often improving one's relationships and social standing as a result.
Comparison Chart
Focus
Emotion and remorse
Behavior change and moral realignment
Nature
Internal and emotional
Both internal and external actions
Goal
Seek forgiveness
Make amends and avoid future wrongs
Manifestation
Often private
Often involves public or visible actions
Psychological Impact
Feelings of guilt and sorrow
Empowerment through proactive change
Compare with Definitions
Contrition
Sorrowful acceptance of one's faults.
He showed his contrition by quietly correcting his mistakes.
Repentance
Act of repenting; turning away from sins.
His repentance was shown by his changed behavior.
Contrition
Internal realization of moral failure.
Her contrition led her to seek forgiveness privately.
Repentance
Process of seeking to make amends.
She undertook community service as a sign of repentance.
Contrition
A state of feeling sorry for misdeeds.
She expressed deep contrition at the meeting.
Repentance
Practical steps towards correcting past errors.
He made restitution to those he had wronged as part of his repentance.
Contrition
Emotional response to recognizing wrongdoing.
Contrition overwhelmed him after the argument.
Repentance
Commitment to change one's life direction.
Repentance drove him to confess and apologize.
Contrition
Feeling of remorse or guilt for one's sins.
His contrition was evident in his tearful apologies.
Repentance
A moral or spiritual realignment.
Her repentance involved dedicating time to spiritual growth.
Contrition
In Christianity, contrition or contriteness (from the Latin contritus 'ground to pieces', i.e. crushed by guilt) is repentance for sins one has committed.
Repentance
Repentance is the activity of reviewing one's actions and feeling contrition or regret for past wrongs, which is accompanied by commitment to and actual actions that show and prove a change for the better. In modern times, it is generally seen as involving a commitment to personal change and the resolve to live a more responsible and humane life.
Contrition
Sincere remorse for wrongdoing; repentance.
Repentance
The action of repenting; sincere regret or remorse
Each person who turns to God in genuine repentance and faith will be saved
Contrition
The state of being contrite; sincere penitence or remorse.
Repentance
The act or process of repenting.
Contrition
(obsolete) The act of grinding or rubbing to powder.
Repentance
Remorse or contrition for past conduct or sin.
Contrition
The act of grinding or ribbing to powder; attrition; friction; rubbing.
The breaking of their parts into less parts by contrition.
Repentance
The condition of being penitent.
Contrition
The state of being contrite; deep sorrow and repentance for sin, because sin is displeasing to God; humble penitence; through repentance.
My future days shall be one whole contrition.
Repentance
A feeling of regret or remorse for doing wrong or sinning.
Contrition
Sorrow for sin arising from fear of damnation
Repentance
The act of repenting, or the state of being penitent; sorrow for what one has done or omitted to do; especially, contrition for sin.
Godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation.
Repentance is a change of mind, or a conversion from sin to God.
Repentance is the relinquishment of any practice from the conviction that it has offended God. Sorrow, fear, and anxiety are properly not parts, but adjuncts, of repentance; yet they are too closely connected with it to be easily separated.
Repentance
Remorse for your past conduct
Common Curiosities
Can contrition exist without repentance?
Yes, contrition can exist as a purely emotional state without leading to the behavioral changes associated with repentance.
Why is contrition important in religious contexts?
In many faiths, contrition is necessary for the forgiveness of sins as it shows genuine remorse.
What are typical actions associated with repentance?
Typical actions include making amends, confessing, and actively changing one's behavior.
How does repentance manifest in behavior?
Repentance is shown through actions intended to correct past wrongs and avoid future ones.
What distinguishes repentance from mere regret?
Unlike regret, which is a feeling of disappointment, repentance involves a committed plan and actions to make amends and avoid repeating the errors.
What is the key emotional component of contrition?
Contrition primarily involves deep sorrow and remorse for one's actions.
Is public acknowledgment required in repentance?
While not always required, public acknowledgment can be part of the repentance process, especially when the wrongs have affected others.
What internal changes are associated with repentance?
Repentance involves a moral or spiritual realignment and a renewed commitment to ethical behavior.
How do contrition and repentance relate to forgiveness?
Contrition is about seeking forgiveness through sorrow, while repentance involves earning forgiveness through changed behavior.
Can repentance impact one's social relationships?
Yes, through actions like making amends and showing genuine change, repentance can significantly improve social relationships.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
