Being who I am, I had planned to do this in the order in which they appeared in the verses. Makes sense, right?
Yeah, well… God had other plans, so I’ve skipped ahead a bit. I’ll get to all of them at some point (or at least I plan to).
Depending upon which version you read, this could say, “it’s not resentful” (ESV), “thinketh no evil” (KJV), or other similar variations.
Since they seemed to be so different, I looked at the original Greek.
The word translated as “record” is the word logizomai. It means to recon, count, charge with; reason, decide, conclude, think, suppose; to take into account or to reason to a logical conclusion (decision).
“Of wrongs” is from the Greek word kakos, meaning bad, evil; inwardly foul, rotten (poisoned); or (figuratively) inner malice flowing from a morally-rotten character. (The above found at www.biblehub.com)
So how should we truly interpret this section of the verse?
I like the simple translation above. Of course, it’s how I learned it. I’m not discounting any of the others because I think God’s Word reaches us where we are. Today I need to remember to keep no account of wrongs.
What does that look like?
Forgiveness!
But, oh how hard it is sometimes.
Have you ever been there? A place where someone has hurt you beyond your wildest dreams or worse, hurt someone you love?
I can handle the hurt to me. Somehow it’s easier to forgive and move on. When someone I love has been hurt, I struggle. Because I see their pain. And I don’t want them to hurt. I want to make it better. And yet, I can’t. Nothing can change what has already been done.
I went in search of a few quotes…
- Unforgiveness is like drinking poison yourself and waiting for the other person to die. ~origin unknown (attributed to several people)
- Forgiveness is not an occasional act, it is a permanent attitude. ~Martin Luther King, Jr.
- Forgiveness is unlocking the door to set someone free and realizing you were the prisoner! ~Max Lucado
- Life becomes easier when you learn to accept an apology you never got. ~Robert Brault
- Unforgiveness is choosing to stay trapped in a jail cell of bitterness, serving time for someone else’s crime… ~Author unknown
Used by permission by Mike Waters at www.joyfultoons.com
This cartoon says a lot with few words.
Take a moment and think about the weight of those bags on his back.
Have you put your anger, malice, rage, slander, etc in the forgiveness dumpster? Have you forgiven the person who hurt you or the one you love?
Love demands that we keep no record of wrongs.
Psalm 103:12 tells us that God “has removed our sins as far as the east is from the west.” Aren’t you thankful that He doesn’t keep a record? In Micah 7:18-19 we find this encouraging section, “Who is a God like you, pardoning iniquity and passing over transgression for the remnant of his inheritance? He does not retain his anger forever, because he delights in steadfast love. He will again have compassion on us; he will tread our iniquities underfoot. You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea.” [emphasis mine]
Did you see that? He delights in steadfast LOVE, and so our sins will be cast into the depths of the sea. Never to be seen again. He doesn’t keep an account of our wrongs, once we’ve asked for forgiveness (1 John 1:9). But it comes with an “if” that most don’t consider. We must forgive others to receive it (Matt. 6:14-15; Mark 11:25-26; Luke 6:37).
I do not write these words only for you. God knows how much I NEED this right now. And sometimes, we have to SAY we forgive and say it again and again until the feeling joins the decision. Even if the person never asks for it. Ever.
The memory and sometimes the hurt don’t go away, but the anger and bitterness—that which harms YOU more than the offender—are washed clean, leaving only peace. Blessed peace.
And the weight lifts, leaving you feeling FREE.
If you need prayer for this area, please comment below or send me a personal e-mail through my website’s contact me page. I am ALWAYS happy to pray with you. Where two or more are gathered (even in cyberspace)…
Many blessings,
Ginger Solomon is a Christian, a wife, a mother to seven, and a writer—in that order (mostly). She writes or reads inspirational romance of any genre. Even when she’s busy homeschooling, doing laundry, or fixing dinner, reading or writing are not far from her mind. She is president of her local writing group, and blogs regularly for InspyRomance.com and at gingersolomon.com.
Thank you for a timely blog. This week has been very different from what I expected. As a result, I have also reflected on the Love Chapter and Fruits of the Spirit. Thanks for the Joyful Toon, so often we cling to our hurts. Best wishes and Happy Writing.
Amen and Amen! Now I will go and listen to Casting Crowns “East to West” and read your thoughts again.
Blessings:)
PS, loved Eyes of Pearl.
Beautiful post, Ginger. Thank you.
A wonderful post on forgiveness. I enjoyed the quotes and cartoon also. We have to forgive and forgive. God forgives all of us and blesses us with His love.
Well said!
I’m glad this was able to touch you where you are, Renate. God is good that way. He knows what we’re going to need when we need it and places it on someone’s heart to fulfill the need.
God, I pray for Renate today. You know what her expectations for this week were, and You know how they turned out. Keep her heart and eyes focused on the Light and not the dark of her circumstances. I pray blessings on her today. Amen.
Awww, Wemble, thank you. I’m glad you enjoyed it (both the blog and the book).
Many blessings to you today.
:)
I don’t know if I heard this from someone somewhere, but I liken forgiveness to an onion. We forgive and peel back a layer. When we’re ready, God shows us the next layer to forgive, and we do that. Eventually we get to the heart of the matter, and then it’s done. Many tears went into peeling back the layers, but they were cleansing and healing. Finally, forgiveness is complete–for that offense. :)
Thanks, Becky.
Thank you for this informative post, and I love the cartoon you found!
Thanks for the reminder about forgiveness.
Thank you for reminding us that forgiveness means keeping no record of wrongs. It’s particularly hard when we have to constantly deal with those who have hurt us and our loved ones.
You’re welcome, Andrea. The illustrator/creator has a number of them on his website. He was very gracious in allowing me permission to use it. :)
We all need it once in a while. :)
Yes, Priscila, it is. But forgiveness doesn’t mean we have to continually put ourselves at the other person’s mercy. Sometimes a time comes when we have to say, “No more,” and then leave the relationship to flounder. Sadly, I’ve had to do that with several people in my life. It’s not easy but sometimes necessary.
God, I pray for Priscila today. Give her your grace and peace and an extra measure of strength. Give her guidance as she deals with the hurts from others. WE are fallible humans, and our memories are long, help her to forget the pain and heartache and bathe her relationships in grace and mercy and forgiveness. But I also ask for a hedge of protection around her and her family. Amen.
Wow Ginger,
Thank you for helping us dig deeper and really look at our actions!
Your post was beautifully worded and I appreciate everything you said.
So often we let things simmer in us and then it’s like a puss eating away at us.
Thanks for the reminder to give it all to God and forgive as He has forgiven us.
Thanks for the thought-provoking post! Such a great reminder for us all. Thanks for sharing!
You’re welcome, Marylin. God was dealing with ME the day I wrote the post, so… ;)
Thanks for stopping by, Winnie.
Thank you!
:)
Wonderful post, Ginger! When we ask for forgiveness, we need to remember to forgive others, too.
??
One of my favorite quotes about forgiveness I found in a book during a congregation wide study at my church.
It is “Forgiveness is “releasing someone from your judgment”. – Linda Dillow