2 John 1:6

And this is love: that we walk in accordance with His commandments and are guided continually by His precepts. This is the commandment, just as you have heard from the beginning that you should walk in love.  

When we love God and walk in His commandments, we show love back to God. We show we understand the word and the benefits of the life instruction found in the word. We then can regulate our behavior according to His word and avoid pitfalls. Love is essential to our lives and essential to God.