1 Corinthians 13:5, Charity Thinketh No Evil (1)

1 Corinthians 13:5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil.

Charity bears no grudges. The word “thinketh” is from the root word “to count”, it is an accounting term, “to keep a mental record”, “to take account”, “to keep in mind.” Charity enables one to not count the evil suffered from others who have offended us and is willing to forgive these offences. Charity does not return evil with good but rather prepares the heart to return good with evil. This is the supernatural love of God in action. It is beyond the comprehension of the carnal man. It enabled Jesus to pray for his persecutors and not hold it against them, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). The first martyr Stephen uttered these words to the same effect, “Lord, lay not this sin to their charge (Acts 7:60).”

Have you been offended in some way and still harbouring hatred in your heart? Our meditation instructs us to be rid of such evil thoughts. This phrase “thinketh no evil” has a sense of a continuous action. It must be the life style of God’s children to not count offences at all times. It must become a habit in our life to forgive those who offend us. And we are to do so ourselves, others cannot forgive on our behalf. You may say that it is impossible! Dear brethren realize that this is the work of God’s grace.

We need to pray and ask Him for strength to overcome any hatred and bitterness in your hearts as a result of even of unjust situations where we are the victim. Indeed, this ability comes from a heart that trusts in the justice of God and His sovereign power to make right the wrongs that His people may have suffered. We realise that when we are able to forgive, God’s peace and joy resides with us. There is that shortness of memory when it comes to offences inflicted upon us. Amen.