True depiction of `Sewa'

By Savinder Singh Amritsar, July 28 (ANI): `Sewa' or selfless service in Sikhism is imperative for spiritual growth. It is the highest form of penance - a means of acquiring the highest merit. At Sri Harmandir Sahib, the holiest shrine of Sikh and popularly known as the Golden Temple, one gets a true depiction of `selfless service' where people offer their service and wealth. The ...
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/sikh-sikhi-sikhism/16440-true-depiction-of-sewa.html

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How do other members think of the idea that seva is a form of penance. The article starts with this statement:

`Sewa' or selfless service in Sikhism is imperative for spiritual growth. It is the highest form of penance - a means of acquiring the highest merit.

Can penance and seva be equivalent? The origin of the word penance is
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=16440

ORIGIN Middle English : from Old French, from Latin paenitentia ‘repentance,’ from the verb paenitere ‘be sorry.’
(Oxford American Dictionary)

I think of penance as a way to show that we are truly remorseful for sin and wish to compensate spiritually for sins we have committed. I think of seva as something positive -- a way to progress beyond the place where we are at present. Is seva a blessing and a gift given by God, or is it a self-imposed punishment?

Am I understanding seva incorrectly?
Reference:: Sikh Philosophy Network http://www.sikhphilosophy.net/showthread.php?t=16440

Good point bhenji. In my opinion the word "penance" is incorrectly used here.