The phrase “love keeps no record of wrongs” comes from 1 Corinthians 13:5, which says “It [love] does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.” This verse is part of Paul’s famous “love chapter” where he describes the qualities of godly, Christ-like love.
So what does it mean that love “keeps no record” of wrongs? Essentially, it means that love does not keep an accounting of grievances and wrongdoings. True biblical love does not constantly dwell on the sins and offenses of others. It does not keep bringing up past failures. Love wipes the slate clean and gives others a fresh start.
Love forgives and forgets
To keep no record of wrongs means that love forgives and forgets. When someone wrongs us but later apologizes and repents, love requires us to fully forgive them. We release them from their debt and do not continue holding a grudge. As Colossians 3:13 says, “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
Forgiving does not necessarily mean trusting the person completely right away. But it does mean letting go of bitterness and extending grace. Love gives people a clean slate. It imitates God, who removes our sins from us “as far as the east is from the west” (Psalm 103:12).
Love sees people’s potential, not just their past
When love keeps no record of wrongs, it refuses to label people by their worst moments. It sees people not just for who they are, but for who God created them to be. Instead of constantly looking backward at people’s past sins and failures, love looks ahead to the future God has planned.
The apostle Paul is a great example of this. Before meeting Jesus, he persecuted Christians. But God saw Paul’s potential and redeemed him. Paul later wrote, “Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:13-14).
Likewise, Christ-like love sees the best in people. It believes they can grow. Rather than harboring resentment for wrongs, it hopes for change through God’s power.
Love reflects God’s mercy
Ultimately, “keeping no record of wrongs” reflects the mercy of God. Despite our constant sins against Him, God willingly forgives those who repent. Psalm 103:11-12 declares, “For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.”
When we choose not to keep an account of offenses against us, we emulate God’s compassion. Just as He delights in showing mercy to us, we can delight in forgiving others (Micah 7:18-19). Our graciousness points people to the grace of God.
Love emphasizes restoration over retribution
Human nature wants to keep records of wrongs so it can demand repayment and retribution. But that is the opposite of love. Paul warns believers, “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).
Rather than seeking to settle scores, biblical love seeks restoration. It recognizes that harborhing resentment only breeds more conflict. But forgiveness sets people free and opens the door for healing.
Jesus set the standard by willingly forgiving those who crucified him, including His plea for their forgiveness (Luke 23:34). Stephen reflected Christ by praying for the forgiveness of those stoning him to death (Acts 7:60). This kind of radical grace transforms hearts and changes lives in a way that vengeance never can.
However, love still cares about justice
Though it keeps no record of wrongs, love still cares deeply about justice and making things right. Love is not weak or wishy-washy. It confronts sin and seeks the wellbeing of everyone involved.
When people repent and show a willingness to change, love grants grace. But when there is no repentance and harm continues, love may require setting boundaries, discipline, legal action, or other means of protecting those being harmed. As Romans 13:4 says, governing authorities are “God’s servant for your good.” Love cares both about mercy and justice.
Keeping no record of wrongs is only possible through God’s strength
Loving others this deeply – refusing to keep records of wrongs – is only possible through the power of the Holy Spirit. In our own human strength, bitterness and unforgiveness feel natural. But 1 Corinthians 13:5 describes the kind of supernatural love made available to believers in Jesus.
As we walk closely with God and let His love flow through us, He gives us the ability to forgive. By following Jesus’ model of laying down our rights and surrendering our hurts to God, we can love others with a Christ-like love. What feels impossible becomes possible by His Spirit at work within us.
The more we grow in grace and extend it freely to others, the more our lives proclaim the goodness of God. We point people to the One who kept no record of our wrongs but gave His Son for our salvation.
Key Points:
- Love keeping no record of wrongs means choosing to forgive and release offenses instead of holding onto bitterness.
- True love sees the potential in people; it refuses to label them only by their past failures.
- Forgiving others reflects God’s merciful heart and points people to His grace.
- Love seeks restoration of relationships over revenge.
- However, love still cares about justice and confronting issues Biblically.
- We can only love this deeply through the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
The call of 1 Corinthians 13:5 goes against human nature. But by walking closely with Jesus, we can reflect His grace and forgive as freely as we’ve been forgiven. The more we extend mercy, the more our lives display the remarkable love of God.
