What does it mean that love keeps no record of wrongs (1 Corinthians 13:5)?

Response

In 1 Corinthians 13, known as the “love chapter,” we find a list of love’s characteristics. Among the qualities of love, there are also things that love does not do. Verse 5 states that love “does not keep a record of wrongs.” Or, as the Amplified Bible puts it, “It does not take into account a suffered wrong.”

The concept of not keeping a list of wrongs is directly related to Paul’s earlier instructions to the Corinthian believers in the same letter. Some members of the church were suing fellow Christians. Instead of resolving disputes internally with humility and love, they were taking each other to court. Paul strongly addresses this issue: “The very fact that you have lawsuits among you means you have been completely defeated already. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated?” «Now therefore there is utterly a fault among you, because ye go to law one with another. Why do ye not rather take wrong? Why do ye not rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded? », (1 Corinthians 6:7). To counteract the mentality of seeking revenge, Paul emphasizes that love “does not keep a record of wrongs.” It is preferable to be cheated than to act unlovingly.

Jesus Christ exemplified this kind of love perfectly. He paid the price for the sins of the world on the cross. Even when we were still sinners, Christ died for us «But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. », (Romans 5:8). Jesus did not keep a record of wrongs; instead

He prayed, “Father, forgive them,” from the cross as He died «Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots. », (Luke 23:34).

Colossians 3:13-14 also connects forgiveness to love: “Forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” Refusing to hold onto past wrongs is a clear demonstration of God’s love and forgiveness.

Often, people claim to love each other, but when one becomes angry, they bring up past mistakes! Accusations are made, painful memories resurface, and the past is not left behind. This is not love. Genuine, godly love forgives and does not keep a record of offenses. Love is focused on the needs of the loved one, not one’s own pain.

Of course, we should not permit others to continue hurting or mistreating us or others. This is not the message of 1 Corinthians 13:6. The aim is to foster reconciliation, to forgive those who seek forgiveness, and to leave the past in the past.

Some individuals hold grudges, but Christian love aims to resolve conflicts. Love does not hold grudges, as we forgive just as Christ has forgiven us. When Peter inquired of Jesus, “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” Jesus replied, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times” (Matthew 18:21-22). That is love.