Difference between obeying and loving?

[joechrist]

When referring to the fall of man, I often see this statement; "God created man with the free will to choose to love him or rebel against him." My question is if there is a difference between obeying and loving. Everyone seems to use the two terms interchangeably. In order to love someone, does that mean we can never disobey? For example, your children often disobey you. You don't look at them and say, "I gave you the choice to love me or not and you chose not to." Did Adam's disobedience mean he did not love God?

 

[Rick W]

The parable of the prodigal son comes to mind.

 

[ChevyRodeo]

I feel like Eve did not Love God because she chose to disobey him, Love is a word(symbol) and may mean differently for our culture what it means for another, or for what it means to God.

If Eve LOVED God why did she listen to Satan rather then God. Eve did not trust God to be right, she had doubt in him and listened to Satan.

If Eve Loved God in His sense of the word, she would have trusted Him. (so I feel)

 

[shad]

When referring to the fall of man, I often see this statement; "God created man with the free will to choose to love him or rebel against him." My question is if there is a difference between obeying and loving. Everyone seems to use the two terms interchangeably. In order to love someone, does that mean we can never disobey? For example, your children often disobey you. You don't look at them and say, "I gave you the choice to love me or not and you chose not to." Did Adam's disobedience mean he did not love God?

Good question; Jesus says "if you love Me keep My commandments". We should strive to be obedient to ALL His command, teachings and warnings.