What kind of records do we keep? Well, we may keep records of the bills that need to be paid each month, or when the oil in the car needs changed, or maybe the birthdays of family members. However, why do we keep records? Well, it is simple, because we want to remember things. There are a lot of things we like to remember so we write them down or find other ways to remember them. Yet, there is one thing the Bible tells us that we are not to keep record of and that is other’s wrongs. Even though the Bible teaches against keeping records of other’s wrongs, how many times have we brought up the past in a disagreement? It is like the one fellow who was talking to the preacher about the troubles in his marriage. The husband said, “Every time my wife and I get in an argument she gets historical.” The preacher said, “Don’t you mean hysterical.” “No,” replied the husband, “I mean historical; she brings up all my past mistakes.” It is tough to live your life with someone who never forgets.
In 1 Corinthians 13:5, Paul’s instruction on love states that “[Love] is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.” If we truly love one another Paul reminds us that we are not to remember the wrongs that others have committed towards us, especially when we have dealt with them in a biblical manner as Matthew 18:15-17 and 1 Timothy 5:19-20 instruct. What Paul is trying to teach in 1 Corinthians 13:5 is that once we have dealt with others’ sins, then love makes allowances for the fallibilities of others, and is ready to renew the relationship in a loving way. In other words, instead of revenge, devising evil against those who wronged us, or constantly reminding others of their wrongs, we forgive them and strive to move forward in the love of God. This is often hard to do, yet it is a command of God’s Word. Maybe the following illustrations can help us to better “keep no record of wrongs.”
Clara Barton, founder of the American Red Cross, was reminded one day of a vicious deed that someone had done to her years before. However, she acted as if she had never even heard of the incident. “Don’t you remember it?” her friend asked. “No,” came Barton’s reply, “I distinctly remember forgetting it” (Palau).
A couple married for 15 years began having more than usual disagreements. They wanted to make their marriage work and agreed on an idea the wife had. For one month they planned to drop a slip in “Fault Boxes.” The boxes would provide a place to let the other know about daily irritations. She was diligent in her efforts and approach: “leaving the jelly top off the jar,” “wet towels on the shower floor,” “dirty socks not in hamper,” on and on until the end of the month. After dinner, at the end of the month, they exchanged boxes. The husband reflected on what he had done wrong. Then, the wife opened her box and began reading. They were all the same, the message on each slip was, “I love you!” True love, biblical love, keeps no record of wrongs. It releases the revenge, bitterness and wrongs of the past and moves forward in a way that we do not return evil for evil.
Works Cited
Palau, Luis. Experiencing God’s Forgiveness. Portland: Multnomah P., 1985.
