That is a stretch, Douglas. Threats and fear are all mixed in with that highly conditional love of OT's God. Compassion and mercy is tagged to obedience and not belief. It all goes back to the way the Hebrews experienced and (mis)interpreted God's revelations.
You're misunderstanding my point on a very basic level.
If you love someone unconditionally then you are never going to violate the letter of the law of the ten commandments.
If you love your spouse unconditionally then you will never think about committing adultery, much less actually committing adultery.
If you love God then you are never going to think about worshiping something else before him in spirit much less deed.
Without the commandments you would never be able to define Godly love. It would be subjective and subject to change, to human definitions. Those who toss aside the commandments as not relevant are doing this which has contributed to a coarseness in our society.
Mat 7:21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
Mat 7:22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
Mat 7:23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
Iniquity IS lawlessness. Sin is transgression of the law. The type of lawlessness Christ is talking about isn't man made law, but the God's law.
1Jo 3:4 Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.
When an OE and a Calvinist both see the error It must be a whopper :>)
Good posting Kosta