The Source of All Love
God is love (1 John 4:8). If He is the source of love, then we cannot truly love others—or even ourselves—unless we first love the God who loved us first (1 John 4:19).
Suppose you claim to love your neighbor but do not love God; then you make God out to be a liar because love does not come from us. It comes from Him. You can only give what you first received. You can only love others after you’ve known and responded to His love. You can only say you love yourself when you love Jesus and your neighbor (Matthew 22:37–39).

Jesus is both our God and our neighbor. He even calls us friend.

So to claim to love others but not love God is a contradiction. That kind of love becomes self seeking, looking for approval or comfort through people while ignoring the source. It's not love at all. It’s taking, not giving. It’s a rejection of God, and it ultimately leads to self destruction.
But God is merciful. That’s why this conviction came—because of grace. We didn’t deserve it, but He gave it anyway.
He loves us (Romans 5:5–9).

Prayer
Lord Jesus,
Thank You for being our God of love, the Giver of love and the gift of love through grace. Thank You for loving me first and for the privilege of being Your child, to love You back by loving my neighbors too. Humble us more and make us more like You, a loving, faithful servant to You and to my neighbors. Amen.