LOVE KEEPS NO RECORD OF WRONGS

The last in our series on Biblical love ...

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 1 Corinthians 13:4-5    

Man's natural reaction to being hurt by someone is inconsistent with Biblical love. As soon as we feel the sting of the most recent offense, out comes a list of the offender's past sins and the confrontation escalates ... painful memories are dredged up, accusations fly, and 'bygones' are no longer 'bygones'. 

Christians are called to live above the fray ... Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. (Colossians 3:12-13)

In other words, we are not to keep a 'grievance ledger' ... 

Lenski - Love keeps no account book for the entry of wrongs on the debit side which are eventually to be balanced on the credit side with payments received for these wrongs. Love forgets to charge any wrong done to itself. It is neither enraged at the moment, nor does it hold a grudge in vindictiveness afterward.

Are you keeping a mental list of those who have wronged you? Be careful, pilgrim ... unforgiveness inevitably breeds contempt and the love of God will not be evident in your life. 

When you choose to be someone with 'an ax to grind', there are consequences. Bury 'the hatchet' ... Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful. Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven. (Luke 6:36-38)

Remember this ... the record of YOUR wrongs was nailed to the cross. 

Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. 1 John 4:10-11

Get rid of the file that you've been using to justify your 'victimhood' ...