If God’s going to love me whatever I do, why would I bother fasting?

When I talk with other Christians about spiritual disciplines, one question keeps coming up. But we’re saved by grace aren’t we? Isn’t this all a bit legalistic, isn’t it just an effort to earn God’s love? If God loves me whatever I do, why do I need to do any of this? But this sort of question is based on a fundamental misunderstanding. Let me explain.