Asking for forgiveness Quote by Joseph J. Ellis
“And the only thing to do with a sin is to confess, do penance and then, after some kind of decent interval, ask for forgiveness.”
About This Quote
Source Book: "The Moral Life of the Founding Fathers", 2009
Sin requires confession, penance, and forgiveness after a reasonable period.
In simple terms: Confess, atone, then seek forgiveness.
Practice accountability and renewal.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- personal crisis
- community reconciliation
- legal restitution
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What constitutes a “decent interval” for forgiveness?
- How do different cultures handle sin?
May not fit secular contexts.