In this week’s message from our Beloved series, we walk through the remainder of 1 John 3, where the apostle John shows that love for the family of God is not optional — it is the evidence of new birth.

John moves from obedience to love, teaching that true Christianity is not proven by words, feelings, or vague goodwill, but by sacrificial action that mirrors Jesus Himself. Using Cain and Abel as contrasts, John exposes the spiritual divide between those who live in death and those who have passed into life — and the dividing line is love.

This message confronts shallow, sentimental “love” and calls believers to the cross-shaped love Jesus modeled: laying down our lives, meeting real needs, and loving imperfect brothers and sisters with patience, generosity, and grace.