In contrast to Peter, the disciple John, Yohanan (Grace) often use this phrase.

The disciple whom Jesus love.

You'll find that is mentioned multiple times in his own gospel, the Book of John.

Now John did not boast of his Love to God. He typifies the type of Christians who boast of God's Love to Him! (The other way round)

And what happened?

Peter denied knowing the Lord 3 times with cursing and swearing but the Apostle John! Was the ONLY apostle found at the cross with Jesus Christ!

He was given that honor! To see the divine Cross! What a glorious honor and John was the only one who knew who betrayed Christ Jesus. HE was the quickest one to recognize who God is (John 21:7) and was the quickest one to reach the empty tomb. ( John 20:4)

So what is the lesson here?

When you boast of God's Love to you, you will have a quick perception of who God is, will be closer to God and honored by God much more than you boast of your own obedience.

i understand that.

What you point out about people not accepting Him as saviour is the problem of transformation.
i would rather say that not accepting Him as Lord is the problem to discipleship which is trnsformation.

You dont have to obey Him as saviour. Whereas Lordship demands obedience, which leads to transformation.