Love for a father does not usually have to be earned. Most people are born into it, loving their fathers whether or not their fathers have done anything to deserve it. Love for a father has to be wrung from a person, by neglect or mistreatment. People love their fathers even if they do not like them.
I love my father, and he’s done nothing to shake that could or should shake that love loose. My love is well earned. Meanwhile, I have known many children whose fathers really did not deserve their love and admiration – but they had it anyway.