LOVE KEEPS NO RECORD OF WRONGS By Lakan Mariano Love is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 1 Corinthians 13:5 It had been a very long and tiring two days. We had to get the whole Panhandle Bank and Trust of Borger moved to their new location Saturday and Sunday and we did it! I dragged myself home Sunday night, plopped myself down at the bar while Kim heated my supper. Kim asked how everything went and I told her and we chatted for a few minutes while I hungrily devoured my meal. Then she asked me, Do you know what today is? It was one of those questions you knew was more than a casual and innocent inquiry. My mind was racing as I blurted things like, Its not Christmas. Its not your birthday. The boys birthdays are in March and September. Then it dawned on me. I had heard of men forgetting their anniversary. I used to think that there was no way I would ever do that. Well, maybe when I get old and senile. But our fifth anniversary?! Panic, embarrassment, and a horrible sense of regret gripped me. Multiple thoughts of things I could, should have done and images of presents and dinner all come rushing through my head threatening to engulf me. Until I saw the look on Kims face. Kim was smiling and there was not a hint of accusation nor hurt. Its okay. I also forgot. To this day I do not know if she really also forgot or not. But over the years with the countless ways I had inadvertently hurt or disappointed her she always reciprocated in grace and forgiveness. She never brought anything up that I had done, or forgot to do, in the past. Kim did not keep a file of my wrongs. Her close and vibrant walk with our Lord was like a spiritual shredder that disposed of any list that she was tempted to start. Our world has all kinds of definitions of love. They are based on beauty, on performance, on emotion, on self-centered expectations. Love among believers, between a husband and a wife, even love expressed for those who despise you mirror the love that God has for us. Biblical love seeks what is best for another whether that person reciprocates or not. Biblical love forgives and keeps no record of wrongs. Many people have told me over the years that this is very hard. And they are right. Trying to do this on our own strength leaves us frustrated and more angry. When you dwell on what someone did to you it is like picking at the scab on a wound. It will never heal. But when you dwell on what Christ did and does for His children you are overwhelmed by His incredible love and grace poured out on you. His love and His grace that now lives in you. That now allow you to love the way He loves. Love is patient, love is kind... It is not rude, it is not self-serving, it is not easily angered or resentful... It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends (1 Corinthians 13:4, 5, 7, 8).
Posted on: Sat, 26 Jul 2014 13:20:32 +0000