ש"פ א' אב - פירוש 'וחטאתי נגדי תמיד' ושמחה בתשובה

What is meant by 'my sin is always before me'? The intention is not to be constantly sad or feel debased, G‑d forbid. For it is written afterwards, 'You will let me hear joy and gladness, etc., and a generous spirit will support me, etc.' And since one must spend all his days in higher teshuvah, which is done with great joy as mentioned above.

Rather, the word 'before me' is precise. Like the verse, 'And you shall stand from afar,' or 'They shall encamp from afar around the Tent of Meeting,' and Rashi explains: from a distance. The intent is only that one's heart should not become haughty, and to remain humble before every person, when he keeps in mind that he sinned against G‑d.

On the contrary, regarding joy, remembering the sin helps even more—to accept with happiness all events that occur, whether from Heaven or through people, in speech or action. (And this is good advice to be saved from anger and all kinds of resentment, etc.)

As our Sages said: 'Those who are insulted but do not insult back; who hear their shame but do not respond; who act out of love and rejoice in their suffering—about them Scripture says: "And those who overlook their measures are forgiven for all their sins."'

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that remembering one's sins should lead to humility and greater joy in teshuvah—not sadness. This mindset helps a person accept life's challenges with happiness and avoid anger or resentment toward others.