Contrition is the idea of repenting the sins that one may have committed. But, the difference between perfect and imperfect contrition is that with perfect contrition, one is truly sorry for his or her actions and this repentance comes from their heart. Whereas imperfect contrition is when one is simply sorry for their actions because of the consequences that will follow. For example if someone was to steal from as store and later get arrested, if that person only apologizes because they don't want to go to jail, then that person has imperfect contrition. But if that person sees the faults in his actions and truly regrets stealing, then he or she has perfect contrition in that situation. Obviously, we are called by God to obtain perfect contrition, however it is not an easy feat. One must be devoted to a life of prayer and holiness and mankind's tendency to sin usually holds us back from having perfect contrition. But it is when we have a self-reflection and begin to pray and ask for God's forgiveness in a sincere way, that we can have a perfect contrition.
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