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This is just a philosophical argument that allows people to come to the recognition that, despite having done bad things in the past, they do not have to do bad things in the future.
But they have to stop wanting to do bad things.
I'm not saying appealing to the idea of Jesus's love as all-forgiving is wrong, mind you. I'm just pointing out it's not a magical panacea where you mumble words and all of a sudden everything is fixed.
I didn't say that anywhere. I'm saying, love comes first, then repentance. Repentance is necessary. But it doesn't happen first.
Les Miserables is on the mind, consider Jean Valjean and his moment of repentance. After a life of getting kicked around, he steals the Bishop's valuables. And in response, the Bishop loves him, saves him from going to Prison again, gives him more than he stole. And that is the moment that Jean Valjean actually feels sorry for his actions. Once he experiences true love.
You can say, that's just a story. But there is a reason why it rings true. The world is full of bitter people who will stay bitter forever unless someone breaks their shell with love.
Will it always work? No. But does it work? In my experience, yes.
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