It is not only hyperbole, Paul has made it clear that love and faith are two different things. Love is not faith and faith is not love but love is the greatest of the two. You can have faith and not love. And it is not about loving God or Christ, it is the love for one another, for if we love one another, we love God.
But love for other people is a work and must be a work because we have to put effort. We can not love others only in our hearts, love is only full when the people that are loved fell loved and they will only feel loved through our actions and words (works). It is, "Do to others what you would like them do to you", not, "feel for others what you would like them feel for you"
Faith in Christ is only foundational but Love is the identity in Christ. So faith alone doesn't save but being obedient to the command to love one another onto faith, then salvation is achieved.
Matt 25:
37“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?
38When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you?
39When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
40“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’