1 Corinthians 13:4-7 NKJV — Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
Years ago the Lord took me through a season of “studying” what love is.
Part of that was to break this verse down piece by piece and really work at understanding everything the scriptures said about what love is.
I needed to know, because I was struggling.
I couldn’t see past society’s fake version of love nor the temporary emotions that are often tagged as love.
I knew there was more, so much more, because of Jesus, and I wanted to better understand His love as well as what mine should be.
My study, years ago was with an NIV and this one section jumped to mind recently.
1 Corinthians 13:5 NIV — It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
“Keeps no record of wrongs”
That had been like a 2×4 upside my head years ago.
The Lord showed me at that time, how I had carefully logged a list of people’s wrongs against me.
I suddenly realized my “praying” for these people was actually me recounting each wrong in order from my list and telling God all about what sad things had happened to me.
Obviously, I wasn’t loving them.
Indeed, I wasn’t praying for them either.
I praise God for His patience and that He showed me my error.
It wasn’t easy nor quick, but the Lord began showing me how to love.
Starting with trashing the lists of wrongs.
When the Lord brought this back to my heart yesterday, it was with great joy.
I’d been praying specifically for a circumstance and this was the answer.
Love keeps no record wrongs, because loving means forgiving.
Matthew 6:14 NKJV — “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
Ephesians 4:32 NKJV — And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.
God set the example.
Jesus paid the price.
We should love as He does.
Colossians 3:13 NIV — Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank You so much for forgiveness! What a priceless gift You have given us, both in Salvation and in life eternal with You. Lord Jesus, thank You for reminding me of this scripture and for bringing back to my heart the importance of forgiveness. Please help me to never make lists of wrongs, but instead choosing to love. Lord, thank You, that You are our righteous judge and that we can look to You and trust You for all things. Lord, please grant me wisdom, that I might be able to know what Your will is for each day. Help me to walk in Your truth at all times. I love You, Jesus. Amen.
patientlyhopeful 