We cannot claim scripturally to know God, if we refuse to keep his commandments. Obedience shows we know God. Man needs friendship with God and his Son. Obedience is an expression of our friendship with Jesus. Every human being needs this close friendship with our blessed Lord.
Obedience shows our friendship.
Faith in Jesus Christ as God's Son is essential to our salvation from sin. But our faith is not a saving faith unless it expresses itself in obedience to God's will. Saving faith expresses itself in obedience to God's will. Certainly we know that love for God on our part is indispensable. But love expresses itself in obedience.