If you were absolutely certain that you would not be hurt or tormented, wouldn't you be able to pour out your love without reservation? What do we think we are protecting ourselves from? Besides we are always better off following direct commandments.

1 John 4:18-21

There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.
We love because he first loved us.
If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen.
And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother.

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