If in my life I fail completely to heed others, solely out of a desire to be 'devout' and to perform my 'religious duties', then my relationship with God will also grow arid. It becomes merely 'proper', but loveless.
God's love for his people is so great that it turns God against himself, his love against his justice.
The 'commandment' of love is only possible because it is more than a requirement. Love can be 'commanded' because it has first been given.
