R. Shimon b. Yochai says: It is written (Judges 5:31) "And His lovers are like the rising of the sun in its might", and it is written (Devarim 10:18) "And He loves the stranger, etc." Now who is greater? One who loves the King or one whom the King loves? Certainly, one whom the King loves.
Rabbi Shimon Ben Yochai Asks His Devastating Question Who Is Greater
Mekhilta Tractate Nezikin 18:4