"There is a required love. We’re supposed to love God enough to receive what He has freely given us in Christ. We’re supposed to love God enough to face the cross in order to ensure what Jesus did isn’t ignored by us. Salvation is found there. And that is where our journey of faith begins. This is really all that is necessary or required by God as far as loving Him is concerned."

"Why Lent is good religion" by Ed Gungor 
http://www.relevantmagazine.com/god/deeper-walk/features/24932-lent-is-good-religion