ICS Daily Devotions
Keep No Record of Wrongs

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

How liberating it is to know that God’s love keeps no record of wrongs for the things we’ve done in the past. He has imputed the righteousness of Christ into our account. It means He will never bring up our past again. He forgives us of everything – total forgiveness. The Lord will never count the sins against us. It is through God’s grace and mercy that we are let off the hook. We are able to forgive because God has already dealt with the sin issue on the cross of cavalry and there was a divine exchange that took place. This is God’s perfect demonstration that He keeps no record of wrong towards us.

However, the devil wants to hinder us from enjoying the abundant life that God has intended for us. He wants to ensure you take offense by what is being said about you and done to you so he can cause you to live in grudge and resentment.

Blessed is the man to whom the Lord shall not impute sin -Romans 4:8 (NKJV)

It is easier to build relationships when we choose not to keep a score report of our past hurts. Total forgiveness still sees the evil, without minimizing the seriousness of the offense, but chooses to instantly blot it out and never to be brought up again.

When we choose not to remember, we can start moving forward into God’s purpose for us. It takes energy to hold on to our past, but once we disarm it ourselves and give it to God, we can start enjoying all the abundant spiritual blessings in the heavenlies. We don’t wait for a certain time or allow the offense to simmer, but we are to instantly forgive. Just as Jesus kept no record of wrong and never mentioned the betrayal after His resurrection – likewise, we are to imitate Jesus.

By broadcasting the record of wrong – the times when we were being treated rudely, misunderstood, ignored, abused, or lied to – we only end up hurting ourselves more as the resentment etches into our heart causing us to feel even more miserable. If we refuse to let go, there will be no reconciliation, restoration, and it will only prolong the healing process.

Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. – Romans 12:19

We are not to take revenge, but let go of the offense and allow God to do the rest. God is able to make miracles out of our messes. Through God’s power, He enables us to immediately release the offense so the devil doesn’t gain the upper hand. Once we are immersed in God’s grace, we won’t have a chance to dwell on it; doing so will only lead to dissatisfaction and anger.

So Joab went to the king and told him. And when he had called for Absalom, he came to the king and bowed himself on his face to the ground before the king. Then the king kissed Absalom. -2 Sam 14:33 (NKJV)

Then the king was deeply moved, and went up to the chamber over the gate, and wept. And as he went, he said thus: “O my son Absalom—my son, my son Absalom—if only I had died in your place! O Absalom my son, my son!” -2 Sam 18:33 (NKJV)

King David understood the blessings of total forgiveness. He was able to show love, mercy and total forgiveness towards Absalom in the later part of his life. Even though Absalom killed his brother Amnon and plotted against him to overthrow him as king, King David still refused to a keep a record of wrong with Absalom. David kissed and restored the relationship with Absalom. At the end, we know that David completely let Absalom off the hook as He wept at the news of Absalom’s death. This showed that David walked in love, forgiveness and had no resentment in his heart against Absalom.

For instance, parents give more attention to the younger ones, while expecting the eldest to give way to them. The eldest is also expected to care for the younger ones. Some people still hold onto this record of wrong – a feeling of bitterness that you were not one of the favorite ones. Unfortunately, not all parents understand the importance of not playing favorites. The person living in resentment will voice their frustration by anger and rebel by not participating in family events and being sarcastic towards parents. If our relationship with our parents is not good, it does not help us to honor our parents, as it is required by the Lord in order to live a long life. We are to keep no record of wrong by letting our parents off the hook. Enjoy the wonderful family relationship that God has intended for us. The abundant life is lived out without resentment, dissatisfaction and grudge. Our parents would also rejoice if they know that they have been forgiven.

Sermon Series: Total Forgiveness