Have you ever wondered what you can do to make this world a better place? Rachel Platten in the song “Better Place” says “it’s a better place sense you came along.” What a beautiful song. Filled with so much truth. In 1 Corinthians 13:5 it says, “love keeps no record of wrongs.” Maybe God had an even better hit song called “Love Keeps No Record of Wrong”. Now that should become a golden label. It’s a better place sense you came along, singing “Love Keeps No Records of Wrong.”
Yet, I’m afraid many have become what I’m calling certified counting professionals (CCP). They keep track of every single mistake someone makes. You probably know someone like this. It might even be us. This isn’t to say that we should become door mats or to never confront them with their sins. The bible is clear, in Romans 15:1 those that are strong should help those that are weak. And in the book of Jude, it says we are to “save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.” We have an obligation to rescue those that need rescuing.
But this task will become impossible if you go around keeping a record of wrongs. Pretty soon you will refuse to help because you’ve been hurt. It becomes about you and your pain, not how you can help others. I wonder where we would be if Jesus had that attitude with us. Can you imagine Jesus saying to Peter. Peter, if you deny me one more time, I’m going to vaporize you. Or maybe when he was speaking to Thomas, he would have said, Thomas this is the last time I’m going to answer your silly questions. You better get it right this time or I’m done with you. Aren’t you glad Jesus isn’t that way with us.
Be honest, we preach grace, while keeping track of the wrongs that others do. We question if they are being sincere when they ask for forgiveness. Especially if they come forward multiple times for the same sin. Peter was good at keeping count. He even asked Jesus in Matthew 18:21 , is seven times enough to forgive someone? Jesus replied in Matthew 18:22 ,“I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.” Jesus was not giving Peter a number. He was telling Peter to quit counting. The number doesn’t matter. Forgive them as much as they need forgiving.
Do you want to make this world a better place? Keep singing “Love Keeps No Record of Wrong” at the top of your lungs. And this world will become a better place sense you came along.
