Yes, Major, I believe that you really pointed out a sort of hypocrisy within us all (at least from the outside world) - that we know what the golden rules are and often preach them, and yet, is there a Christian out there that exemplifies such ideals?
Now, of course, hypocrisy is not entirely accurate, as it's more of a lofty ideal that we truly believe it is the greatest disposition for one to live by, but continuously fall short in attempting to attain to it.
And, I would agree; the main obstacles that impede our progress in love are pride and selfishness. For me, the path to emancipation from such worldly and destructive thoughts is transcending the temporal. That is, truly appreciating what Christ has done for all (in potential), and what God has offered as a reward, should instill a regard of gratitude and humility within us that would undermine any grounds that we have for thinking of ourselves as entitled, or superior in any manner.
But, as we continue to abide in the flesh, the struggles of living by the spirit will be ever present.
Romans 7:22-25
22For in my inner being I delight in God's law;23but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members.24What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death?25Thanks be to God--through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God's law, but in the sinful nature a slave to the law of sin.