The Other Side of the Coin - 8A - Ahavas Hashem - The journey begins with Yira

Fifth, the stimulus of the Torah is a preparation for, and introduction to that of the Understanding, the reason being that a man in his youth needs training and guidance, and restraint from yielding to his passions, until the time comes when his understanding has become strong and firm. So, too some women and frivolous (superficial) men do not follow the intellectual lead, because its control over them is weak and loose. This condition made it necessary to provide guidance of a medium character which they can endure and which will not be impossible for them to stand. Hence, the instructions of the Torah revolve around hope and fear - the poles of its axis.

Whoever does not fall short in fulfilling the obligations of this service belongs to the class of the pure pious ones and is worthy of reward in this world and in the next. But one who rises from this stage to the service of G-d, induced by reason, reaches the degree of the prophets and the elect of the Supreme - the saints. His reward here on earth is joy in the sweetness of the service of the L-ord, as the prophet said, "Your words were found, and I did eat them; and Your word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of my heart; for I am called by Your name, O L-ord G-d of hosts" (Jeremiah 15-16); furthermore, "The righteous shall be glad in the L-ord and trust in Him; and all the upright in heart shall glory" (Ps. 64:11) ; furthermore, "light is sown for the righteous, and joy for the upright in heart" (Ps. 97:11). His reward in the world to come will consist in his attaining the highest illumination which we are unable to describe or picture, as it is said, "If you will walk in My ways and if you will keep My charge... I will give you a place to walk among these that stand by" (Zachariah 3:7); further, "How great is Your goodness which You have laid up for them that fear You, which You have done for them that trust in You before the children of men" (Ps. 31:20). Furthermore, "Eye has not seen, O G-d, beside You, what He will do for one that waits for Him" (Isaiah 64:3).