Are Minor Sins Punished in the Akhirah? Assalamu Alaikum, I’m Confused

Assalamu alaikum. There have been a few times when people have asked me why I’m particular about small matters of sharʿīyah - they say I’m being overly strict when I avoid or ask others to avoid things considered minor sins by our fuqahā’. So the question comes up: Are minor sins something Allah will punish someone for in the Hereafter? Our ʿulamā’ often define ḥarām as that which is liable to punishment in the afterlife (I’ve heard this in many lectures and books; one example that comes to mind is Yusuf al-Qaradawi’s Halaal wal Haraam). My difficulty is reconciling that definition - where minor sins are still called ḥarām - with Qur’anic verses that seem to say if one avoids major sins then minor sins will be forgiven. For example: “If you avoid the major sins you are forbidden from, We will expiate your minor sins and admit you to a noble entrance.” (An-Nisā’ 4:31) “Those who avoid major sins and lewdness except small slips - indeed your Lord is vast in forgiveness. He knows best who is conscious of Him.” (An-Najm 53:32) I understand that persisting in minor sins can lead someone to commit major sins and so become liable for punishment. What I’m unsure about is whether minor sins are inherently punishable on their own - that is, even if someone doesn’t fall into major sins, can persistent minor sins still incur punishment in the Akhirah? If the answer is that they are not inherently punished, then how do minor sins differ in the Hereafter from makrūh actions - are they effectively the same in outcome? Put another way: if a person feels remorse but occasionally commits reprehensible acts (whether they are classified as makrūh or minor sins), are the consequences before Allah the same? I’d appreciate insights from people who know fiqh and aqīdah on how to understand these verses and the rulings - and practical advice on how to balance caution without falling into scrupulosity. JazākAllāhu khayran.