In the New Testament of the Holy Bible, in the letter called 1 Corinthians in chapter 13 verse 4, it says that “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. [And it continues in verse 5] It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.”

Camp out on those last six words. Here is a mark of what can be called serious, unconditional love. This is about a relationship with no scorecard. A relationship that is built on the idea that “I’ll love you IF you do XYZ for me” is one that is contractual, not unconditional. True love keeps no record of wrongs.

I recently observed this level of love in action. The global media reported on the death of the King of Pop, a fifty year old young Michael Jackson; and in so doing interviewed many of his followers. The media also provided a forum for commentators to bring us the news and a myriad of opinions about the life of Michael Jackson.

One thing that became crystal clear was that those who adored Michael, had no remembrance of many of the blemishes in his life that the critics repeatedly reminded us of. When asking questions or soliciting thoughts from those gathered at various vigil sites, the mourners had nothing but good and kind things to say about the singer they had come to love over time.

May we all take that lesson away with us too. If you love someone, and you want them to love you in return – throw away the ledger that is tracking the good and bad stuff. If you are keeping a list and hoping that the good finally outweighs the problems, you’ll be eternally disappointed.