Personal responsibility can also be motivated by a sense of pride. When a group collectively decides the level of suffering needed to demonstrate accountability, meeting that threshold can be viewed as a way to earn respect and authority as a sign of genuine regret. This can lead individuals to focus more on enduring pain rather than addressing the root causes of their mistakes. Once the pain subsides, individuals may feel a sense of achievement and pride in their ability to overcome challenges. In a society that values repentance through suffering, individuals often measure their growth and progress based on their ability to withstand hardships.

The challenge at hand transcends mere physical suffering and delves into the distortion of our self-conception as sinful beings. It is not solely our actions that manifest sin, but rather an intrinsic sinful nature that propels us towards transgression. This corruption pervades our entire character, persisting even if we were to be liberated from physical pain, as our spiritual imperfection in contrast to the flawless nature of Christ would endure.

Guilt does not automatically dissipate upon confession; rather, it is through the act of confessing our transgressions that our authentic selves and desires are exposed. The anguish and regret we experience are believed to have been absolved by Christ's sacrifice on the cross. Repentance manifests uniquely for each individual, and the effects of disclosure may differ accordingly.

The experience of pain resulting from sin differs among individuals and is influenced by one's level of self-focus. It is important to recognize that much of this pain is not solely a result of feelings of guilt and shame, but rather stems from excessive self-absorption. The Holy Spirit directs us to redirect our attention from ourselves to Christ, who offers us joy, peace, patience, and kindness. By centering our focus on Him, we can attain forgiveness, which is ultimately sourced in Him.