Love Does Not Keep a Record of Wrongs

Love does not keep records!! What does this statement mean?

The Bible in 1 Corinthians 13:5 states that love does not keep a record of wrongs, indicating it is not resentful and does not dwell on seeking revenge for hurt or betrayal. Some might say, "I have forgiven her for what she did to me, but I will never forget it." However, by not forgetting, you are essentially keeping track of how often that person has hurt you or might hurt you in the future.

Friends, true love forgives and progresses. It doesn't bring up past grievances at every chance; instead, it opts to forget what someone has done to them. I emphasize "choose" because it truly is a decision... You can either choose to forgive and move forward, or you can opt to hold onto unforgiveness and bitterness, letting it grow and cause harm to yourself both spiritually and emotionally.

Love forgives and does not keep a record of wrongs; it doesn't wait for the person you claim to have forgiven to hurt or disappoint you again, just to tally how many times it has occurred and use it against them. We serve a God who embodies LOVE, a God who continually forgives our transgressions and chooses to forget them. Scripture in Jeremiah 31:34 reveals that when the Lord forgives, He remembers our sins no more. This promise was made to His people through the prophet Jeremiah. Throughout biblical history, particularly in the Old Testament, we see how God consistently forgave the children of Israel when they sinned against Him repeatedly. He forgave them, wiped away their sins, and allowed them to begin anew each time.

1 Corinthians, chapter 13, is the most renowned chapter in the New Testament, highlighting the significance of true love, the kind of love from God that should be evident in every believer's life. In his first letter to the Corinthian church, the Apostle Paul urged believers to reflect on their lives in comparison to the image of Christ. He concentrated on Christ's love for us, His church, and God the Father's love for all His children. In verse 5, our key text, Paul felt it necessary to stress this point due to the way believers were treating one another. They were taking legal actions against each other, and the Apostle advised them to resolve their disputes amicably and lovingly among themselves, rather than engaging in conflicts. He explained that when you love one another, you do not keep a record of each other's wrongs.

After Jesus shared a parable about an unmerciful servant, Peter asked Him in Matthew 18:21-22 how many times we should forgive those who wrong us, suggesting "Up to seven times?" Jesus replied, "I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven," which amounts to 490 times (70 x 7). Is it feasible for someone to offend you that many times or for you to forgive that many times? Most likely not! Essentially, Jesus is instructing us to forgive as often as someone offends us. This is only possible through the help of His Holy Spirit, enabling us to forgive others and move beyond the pain and disappointments.

Jesus exemplified agape love, as outlined in 1 Corinthians 13, when He died on the cross at Calvary for the sins of all humanity. He did not keep track of the wrongs done to Him in the days and weeks before His crucifixion. Instead, with His final breath, Jesus said in Luke 23:34, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do."

Friends, God encourages us today to let go of resentment, stop dwelling on repaying evil with evil, and cease keeping track of wrongs against us. Instead, choose to love by forgiving. Ask the Holy Spirit for the strength to forgive and release the pain and hurt. The Lord is faithful and will empower you through His Spirit, as long as you willingly choose to love and forgive.

My hope for everyone reading this post who finds it difficult to let go of past wrongs is to invite the Holy Spirit, the great healer, to heal your heart and liberate you from the hold of unforgiveness and resentment. He will empower you to release these burdens, allowing God to bring divine restoration, peace, and joy into your life, in Jesus' name.

I hope this post blesses someone today. I would love to hear from you, so please leave your comments in the section below or send me a private message if you prefer. If you don't have an account, you can comment as a guest without needing to register.

I remain yours in the faith,

Margaret (MKO)

Originally published February 28, 2024

Edited May 3, 2025