How can one reconcile the noble verse, "Say, 'If you love Allah, then follow me, and Allah will love you,'" with the Prophet's (peace be upon him) statement concerning the wine-drinker that "he loves Allah and His Messenger," even though his frequent disobedience may indicate a weakness in his love?

The love of Allah and His Messenger has degrees. Drinking alcohol contradicts the perfection of love, not its origin. Therefore, there is no contradiction between the verse [Say, "If you should love Allah, then follow me, so Allah will love you"] and the saying of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, concerning the wine-drinker: "By Allah, I know nothing but that he loves Allah and His Messenger." Thus, committing a prohibition does not negate the establishment of the love of Allah and His Messenger in the heart of the one who commits it.