C.S. Lewis introduces his book The Four Loves by quoting “God is love” from 1st John, but soon cautious against reversing the order. Why does he do this?

If God equals love, then why can’t love equal God? Before exploring the different Greek words for love, Lewis in The Four Loves warns God must always be first. Otherwise the result will be human love replacing God and becoming a demon, in a complicated form of hatred or selfishness.

This may seem like a simple enough caution, however, all forms of human love should seek to resemble God, who is Love Himself. Lewis proclaims that while it’s important to want to be like God, we mustn’t attempt to go beyond Him, nor be less like Him; balance is the key.