It's a serious question.
Since love for one neighbor originates from the love for God, to have God in one thoughts while trying to love or help others, is necessary.
I'm not seeing what is pretentious about that statement. And even if again, it may be a delicate matter, I'm not seeing what is wrong with questioning the source of one "love" for their neighbor, when the actions don't seem to be about getting closer to others, but to push them away.