From "Should Not" to "Cannot"

There is a fine line between "should not" and "cannot." We are given free will, and we are challenged by the evil urges that tempt us to sin. We are free to resist and be rewarded, or to give in and be held to account. The choice is ours because Hashem is hidden from us, and our emunah (faith) carries us to the strength to overcome temptation. If we saw and heard Hashem first-hand, we would lose our free choice, for no one is free to disbelieve what is plainly before his eyes. When the Sefas Emes heard the Kotzker roar "Thou shalt not steal," it was as if he had been transported to Har Sinai. The Kotzker had become a channel for the Shechina, and for that moment "you shall not steal" became "you cannot steal." We experience this in our own lives. When we strengthen our resolve and say, "No, I cannot do this," and we triumph over the evil urge, then "you shall not sin" becomes "you cannot sin." Sin becomes impossible.