BS’D
What does it mean to be forgiven by Hashem for our transgressions? First let’s consider the idea that Hashem forgives, not His emissaries or angels, but ‘He, Himself’ as is written in Tehillim (130:4), “ki Eemcha hasileecha … (For forgiveness is with You…)”
Essentially forgiveness cleanses the soul from stains caused by sin. We learn this through the passukim in Yeshayahu (4:4), “When Hashem shall have washed away the filth of the daughters of Tzion…” and Yechezkel (36:25), “And I will sprinkle clean water upon you, and you will be clean; from all your impurities…” Hashem ‘desires’ that our soul be ‘dressed’ in white garb, free of stains which acts as barriers in our relationship with Him.
When a mitzvah is done it ascends to the highest heights. Yet, a transgression has no entry to that place. From here we witness Hashem’s endless compassion. A person’s mitzvah is shown before Hashem’s holy throne, yet their sins are not. Mitzvot are priceless and cannot be compensated for in this lowly world (aside from some mentioned in the Torah). Additionally they cannot be ‘traded in’ to lessen the bearing of our sins.
Hashem honors each mitzvah with a reward in due time. A person’s transgressions do not reduce the eternal treasure due to be given in return of a mitzvah. Teshuva is the most favorable of G-dly options to get rid of our transgressions. Hashem ‘patiently awaits’ our return. It is near. It is here. It is readily available for the taking in Chodesh Elul.
