“Every biblical home contains within it both love and obedience. Love without obedience is spineless and ultimately not love at all. Obedience without love is the dust of death. But we have to go beyond this. It’s important for us to note that while both are present, one contains the other. Specifically, love is the context for obedience and not the other way around. Grace cannot flourish in a home of law, but law flourishes of necessity in a home of love. Jesus said that if we loved Him, we would keep His commandments. He did not say that if we kept His commandments, then we would love Him.
“This has everything to do with bringing up children. There are different ways to state this, but the demeanor, disposition, or aroma of the home must be grace, favor, kindness, and love. In that setting, and only in that setting, is it safe to issue a requirement.” (My Life for Yours, p. 113)
You Think Too Much! 