Why All the Commands?

 John 15:10-11

If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. These thing have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.

I was talking to my girls about why it matters what we think of God. If we think he give us all these rules because he is grumpy and doesn't want us to have fun then we will question whether we should listen to him. But if we believe that he truly loves us and wants what is in our best interest we will be more likely to want to listen to him. 

 Just like the rules we have in the house. I try to limit how much sugar the kids eat. One of my daughters has commented that when she grows up she will eat all the chocolate she wants. I explained to her, that I limit her because a lot of sugar is not good for her body. But, if I was only giving her rules because I don't like her having more fun than me or because I am just grumpy maybe it would make sense not to listen. 

So, who is it that God is? And, why all the commands? Do they come out of a place of love or control? Are we interpreting him all wrong?