[5] “It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.” – 1 Corinthians 13:5 (NIV)
One of the most powerful characteristics of love is its ability to never keep a record of wrongs. Yet, that is one of the rarest evident characteristics in this generation. Today, many people live offended and unforgiving of what another person or people did to them. It even gets worse when people from church hurt you so badly. Can you imagine people with whom you worship God within the same ministry criticise you in ways even unbelievers have never done to you in your entire lifetime? Unfortunately, this is happening in many churches. Person A has issues against Person B, person C has a grudge against Person D, and the list goes on and on. It is not surprising that one of the reasons why some churches aren’t growing is because of the lack of godly love for one another.
The Bible says clearly in 1 Corinthians 13:5 that love keeps no record of wrongs. When you read the New King James Version of that part of the scripture, it uses “think no evil” in place of “keeps no record of wrongs.” What does that mean? It implies that when you keep remembering the offences your offenders do to you, the spirit of vengeance will keep bombarding your mind with evil things to do to pay back evil to your offenders. Think about that for a moment!
You can never forgive as Christ did if you keep holding on to unforgiveness in your heart. Prayerfully submit every grudge you have against another person to the Lord. It is He who will vindicate you. You don’t have to explain yourself to your critics. Take what they say, exclude the anger and shock, and work on yourself. May God heal you of any scar on your heart.
You’re a blessing.
Prayer:
Father, help me, not just to forgive but also to forget whatever wrong someone has done against me. Make me live free of offences. In Jesus’ name. Amen!
Devotional Code: KGD – 2024 – 282