Love is a powerful force, such that whatever a person loves enslaves and drives them. God wants us to love Him more than anything else. This isn’t because He needs our love, but rather because God loves us. God is Al Ghani. He is free of want and need. If all humanity lovingly worshipped God, this would not benefit Him in the least. And all of humanity choosing disobedience would not bring Him the smallest harm. He wants us to love Him more than anyone and anything else to protect us from being enslaved to any person or object, including our own ego. His love for us is protective and nurturing.

Then, why not compel us to love Him? Since He has power over us, God can compel us. We are His universe, His property, and His creation. Because His love invites with beautiful wisdom but does not compel or force. Instead, we are free to choose out of love and conviction to know, obey, and seek Him. God gives us the power and choice to disobey Him, and yet many lovingly choose to obey.