God, who is referred to as love, created beings in his image to tend to his creation, and to be in a love relationship with him. He himself created out of a loving relationship (read up on his triune nature). Rather than make them automatons that simply do his will he wanted them to love him of their own will the same he loves them. You can understand his first command as "do this because you love me and trust that I have your best interest in mind". When they instead chose themselves he could no longer be in their presence because of their sin, thus they were ejected from his presence, and thus cursed to pay the costs of that sin, until his plan to redeem them through his own justice and mercy could be fulfilled.Any love relationship that is truly loving is not created by power or authority. It is by the willingness of both parties, unconditionally.
RankingMember|8 months ago
So he doesn't want automatons, but he does want unquestioning loyalty and trust? Is this not simply a distinction without a difference?
If someone we knew in our lives behaved like this with their children, we'd rightfully question what trauma occurred to make them this way. To create and then cast away those he created who did not act as he wished is the behavior of a control freak, not a loving god.
asenchi|8 months ago
Finally, you missed the part where humans chose to be cast away, the consequences of sin are death.
Either way, I pray this truth is revealed to you and that you are blessed in your day and week.