When large crowds start to follow Him, Jesus speaks of the cost of following Him.  It means putting God and Jesus above friends and family, even above personal safety.   He says people should evaluate whether they are willing to pay the cost.  Paul makes this very concrete in his letter to Philemon.  It means forgiving someone who has wronged him, and showing love to that person.

Though salvation is a free gift, God does expect something of those who follow Jesus.