“The one who… believes in him who justifies the ungodly.” (Romans 4:5)
We don’t need to earn God’s love. He loved us when we were still sinners.
If you can write neatly or do math well, you will receive a sticker from your teacher. Quite a few people also see God in this way: as the great master above who distributes stickers.
There are two popular situations. The first is where the teacher walks around to see who deserves a sticker. Everyone who does not do their work well will receive punishment. The second is where the teacher gives stickers to each and every one. If not for good work, then it is for good intentions. Or at least as a motivation. Finally, the number of stickers will determine whether you may enter heaven. The problem is that it is nowhere to be seen how much you need to qualify.
And then you also have the biblical proposition. God is no master from above. He is a father. There is nothing to be earned. We can only accept the invitation to join His family. He has forgiven sinners.
Is God your master or your Father?