The Love reaction

Jesus taught, healed, forgave sins, walked, washed, died, and was risen. Not once have I read Jesus demanded (except when casting out demons). Not once has Jesus used his divine authority as human authority. That abuse of power never happened. He left our free will in tact. He taught us to do what is right, but never enforced, but instead let our love for him guide us to do his commandments. What was so shocking was he was not like the Pharisees who did these things. Jesus did expect the best and want the best for us, but he never forced, but loved us while we were still sinners. Jesus was patient and kind. He did not envy or boast... For indeed we live under grace and not the Law.

If I had people come out to me telling me how I should live my life and I did not have a relationship with Jesus, I would dismiss them as intrusive. Love must come first, as love lays the groundwork for all morality. Love of Jesus transforms a person because for the first time the do what is moral because they want to love Christ. So in that sense, morality can only proceed from love.

You simply don't listen to people you don't care for, but those you admire you hang on every word.

This is the love reaction.  Love is the fuel that keeps us going and functioning properly.  If you run a car without fuel or oil, are you surprised that it breaks down?  Then why be surprised that humans can be so broken?  Sometimes people need to be fixed up first before love can flow correctly through them.  God is the mechanic for our bodies, and it may be time for a tuneup.