DEUT1651 The first way [by which man can arouse himself to return from his evil behavior] [is as follows]: When hardship befalls a person, he must take heed and acknowledge that this is the outcome of his conduct and actions, and that his sins have brought this upon him. He should return to Hashem, and He will be compassionate to him [Yeshayahu 55:7], as the pasuk says [this verse]. Observe human nature. If one were to offend another, and then, when in trouble, he were to express regret and be very accommodating because he needed his help, the other would look askance at such expressions of regret, as Yiftach said (Shoftim 11:7): "So why have you come to me now when you are in distress?" It is through Hashem's kindness that He accepts repentance resulting from distress--it finds favor before Him, and He responds with unconditional love to the sinner upon his return to Him on the day of reproof and from the midst of distress, as the pesukim say (Hoshea 14:2-5): "Return, Yisrael, unto Hashem your God; for you have stumbled on account of your sin. Take with you words [of confession]… I will heal their errant ways and love them unconditionally," and (Mishlei 3:12), "For Hashem admonishes the one He loves, and [then], as a father and a son, He will favor [him]."