“He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.”
John 14:21

Notice, he didn’t say just having the word was enough, he said the one who has and keeps his word IS the one who loves him, meaning your response to challenges is indicative to Jesus of your love for him.
Jesus isn’t interested in multitudes as much as he is interested in disciples, in lovers. (Luke 14:25).
Isn’t it amazing that the real great God, cares that we love him? You would think our being compelled to serve him while threatened by his awesomeness and his ability to destroy would be enough for him, but he doesn’t want that he wants lovers- those he loves and who love him, he wants fellowship with us:
“God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.” 1 Corinthians 1:9, see also 1 John 1:3
We are his children in truth:
“Beloved, now are we the sons of God…” 1 John 3:2
And he has made clear how he interprets love for him- having and keeping his word. Singing songs are good, but singing songs because his word says you should despite what you face is better and more loving towards him.

Bible Reading Plan: Ezra 1, 2 Chronicles 20