Love Keeps No Record of Wrongs

A few days ago I was reading from 1 Corinthians chapter 13, and these words seemed to leap off the page: Love . . . keeps no record of wrongs (v. 5). When we have been hurt by someone, especially repeatedly, it is hard to stop thinking about it, and we tend to hold on to the memories instead of obeying God's admonition to forgive. From 1 Cor. 13:5, I am reminded I need to let go of the hurts and not keep rehearsing them in my mind and heart. That is not easy because I feel I have the right to be angry--to retain the hurt. After all, I believe that person doesn't deserve my forgiveness. But neither do I deserve the forgiveness provided through Christ's sacrifice on the cross.

The Lord is continually reminding me that I must love with His love. I have even asked Him to make me a conduit of His love. That is not possible while I am holding anger and unforgiveness in my heart. The Holy Spirit is teaching me that with His help I can rise above the hurt and pain, and show the love of God even to those who have caused me pain and may never ask for forgiveness, and even to those who may never love me. 

Jesus is our example. The love and forgiveness provided through His sacrificial death were made available to all, including those who nailed Him to the cross. As He was dying, His prayer for those who crucified Him was, "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do (Luke 23:34).