Signs of Life: Loving God’s Family and Giving Life Away

Devotional

Day 1: Loving God's Family Is a Sign of New Life

To truly know God is to love His family—not as an optional add-on, but as an essential, non-negotiable mark of spiritual life. This love is not based on feelings or convenience, but is a committed, covenantal love that persists even when relationships get messy or people are imperfect. The church is not just a gathering of like-minded individuals, but the very bride of Christ, and to love God is to love His people. When you see those around you as people for whom Christ died, your perspective and actions toward them are transformed. This is the vital sign that you have passed from death to life: a growing, active love for your brothers and sisters in Christ. [07:40]

1 John 3:11, 14, 16-18 (ESV)
"For this is the message that you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another... We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers. Whoever does not love abides in death... By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth."

Reflection: Who in your church family do you find it hardest to love, and what is one practical step you can take this week to move toward them in committed, Christlike love?

Day 2: Kill What Kills Love—Uproot Sin at the Root

A changed life in Christ is marked by a willingness to aggressively deal with the roots of sin—jealousy, envy, resentment, and hatred—that destroy love and community. It's not enough to avoid obvious outward sins; the call is to examine your own heart, not just the faults of others, and to repent of the attitudes and patterns that choke out love. Like God warned Cain, sin is crouching at the door, seeking to devour, and must be treated as a deadly threat, not a harmless pet. True spiritual vitality means looking in the mirror, owning your part, and asking God to help you kill what kills love before it grows. [20:34]

Genesis 4:6-7 (ESV)
"The Lord said to Cain, 'Why are you angry, and why has your face fallen? If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is contrary to you, but you must rule over it.'"

Reflection: What is one area of jealousy, resentment, or comparison in your heart that you need to confess and begin to uproot today before it grows any further?

Day 3: Love Is Shown in Deeds, Not Just Words

Biblical love is not just a matter of talk or sentiment, but is demonstrated in tangible actions and truth. Jesus laid down His life for us, and we are called to lay down our lives for others—not just in grand gestures, but in daily, practical ways that meet real needs. The call is to move beyond good intentions or kind words and to actively seek out opportunities to serve, give, and sacrifice for the sake of others, especially those in the family of God. This is how the world sees the reality of Christ’s love—when it is embodied in our deeds. [28:16]

1 John 3:16-18 (ESV)
"By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth."

Reflection: What is one specific, concrete way you can show love in action to someone in need this week, rather than just offering words?

Day 4: Progress, Not Perfection—Let Christ’s Love Transform You

The journey of following Jesus is not about achieving perfection, but about making progress as you continually look to Christ and let His love change you from the inside out. Even when you fall short, the call is to keep moving forward, allowing the love you have received from Jesus to overflow into the lives of others. Like Zacchaeus, encountering the radical grace of Jesus leads to a transformed heart and a generous, outward-focused life. The more you see and savor Christ’s love for you, the more you will find yourself giving your life away for others—not out of guilt, but out of gratitude and joy. [29:05]

Luke 19:8-10 (ESV)
"And Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, 'Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor. And if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I restore it fourfold.' And Jesus said to him, 'Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.'"

Reflection: Where have you been discouraged by your lack of progress in loving others, and how can you fix your eyes on Jesus’ love for you to take the next step forward today?

Day 5: You Can’t Do Life Alone—Step Into Community

God designed you for community, not isolation; there is no such thing as a lone ranger Christian. The family of God is messy and imperfect, but it is the place where God’s wisdom and love are made tangible and where you are reminded that you are not alone. Stepping into relationships, serving, and sharing life with others is not just another thing to add to your busy schedule—it is integral to experiencing life in Christ. When you move toward God’s family, you find encouragement, accountability, and the opportunity to both give and receive the love of Christ in real, life-changing ways. [17:27]

Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV)
"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."

Reflection: What is one step you can take this week to move toward deeper community—whether joining a group, serving, or reaching out to someone in your church family—instead of trying to do life on your own?

Sermon Summary

The story of Adia reminds us that following Jesus is not about having it all together or being a “professional Christian.” Instead, it’s about encountering the love of Christ and letting that love transform every part of our lives. When Jesus changes a life, real change begins to show up—not as a checklist of good deeds, but as the natural outflow of being loved by God. This is the heartbeat of the Christian life: we love, serve, and give because Christ first loved, served, and gave Himself for us.

1 John 3 makes it clear that the evidence of new life in Christ is unmistakable. Just as EMTs check for vital signs to confirm life, there are spiritual “vital signs” that reveal whether we truly belong to God. The first and most essential sign is a growing love for God’s family. This love is not a fleeting feeling or a box to check, but a deep, covenantal commitment to one another. It’s rooted in the eternal love of the Trinity and is meant to be integrated into every part of our lives. We never graduate from loving God’s people; it is the mark of a disciple.

Yet, loving the church is often messy and inconvenient. Many are tempted to walk away from the family of God when things get hard, but Scripture insists that loving God and loving His bride are inseparable. To love Christ is to love His people, even when it’s difficult. This love is not optional or negotiable—it’s a sign of spiritual life.

Another vital sign is the willingness to “kill what kills love.” John points to the story of Cain and Abel to show how unchecked jealousy, bitterness, and resentment can destroy relationships and communities. We are called to aggressively uproot these attitudes from our hearts, not just avoid outwardly sinful actions. The real danger is not just in what we do, but in what we allow to grow in our hearts. True spiritual maturity means looking in the mirror, repenting, and dealing honestly with our own sin.

Finally, a changed life is a life that gives itself away. Just as Jesus laid down His life for us, we are called to lay down our lives for others—not just in words, but in tangible actions. Whether it’s serving in children’s ministry, giving to those in need, or simply reaching out to someone who is struggling, these acts of love are the evidence of Christ’s life in us. Progress, not perfection, is the goal. As we look to Jesus and His love for us, we are compelled to love others in real, sacrificial ways.

Key Takeaways

1. Love for God’s family is non-negotiable Loving the church is not an optional add-on to the Christian life; it is the very evidence of spiritual life. This love is not based on convenience or preference, but on the reality that every believer is someone for whom Christ died. To love Christ is to love His imperfect, beautiful bride, even when it’s messy or inconvenient. [13:24]
2. Aggressively uproot what kills love Sinful attitudes like jealousy, bitterness, and resentment are not harmless quirks—they are spiritual predators that destroy relationships and communities. True maturity means looking honestly at our own hearts, repenting, and dealing with sin before it grows. The call is to treat these attitudes as threats, not pets, and to pursue reconciliation and humility. [24:53]
3. Give your life away in tangible ways The love of Christ compels us to move beyond words to real, sacrificial action. Whether it’s serving, giving, or simply being present for someone in need, these acts are the overflow of a heart changed by Jesus. Progress in this area is more important than perfection; as we look to Christ’s example, we are empowered to give ourselves away for others. [28:16]
4. Spiritual life is evidenced by change A genuine encounter with Jesus always leads to transformation. The “vital signs” of spiritual life—love, repentance, and sacrificial giving—are not prerequisites for God’s acceptance, but the natural fruit of being His child. The Christian life is not about adding religious activities, but about letting Christ’s life reshape our priorities, relationships, and actions. [01:59]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:10] - Adia’s Story: Bringing the Mission Home
[01:20] - Why We Serve: Christ’s Example
[01:59] - Signs of Spiritual Life
[02:30] - Panic Attack and Vital Signs Analogy
[03:34] - The ABCs of Life in Christ
[05:00] - 1 John 3: Love One Another
[06:10] - Loving God’s Family
[08:05] - Never Graduating from Love
[09:38] - Biblical Love vs. Feelings
[11:24] - The Challenge of Loving the Church
[13:24] - Loving Christ’s Bride
[15:58] - Integrating Love into Daily Life
[18:22] - Killing What Kills Love
[21:24] - Uprooting Jealousy and Resentment
[24:53] - Sin as a Predator, Not a Pet
[27:46] - Giving Your Life Away
[28:16] - Love in Deed and Truth
[30:13] - Zacchaeus: A Life Transformed
[33:36] - Tangible Acts of Love in the Church
[36:10] - Sticky Notes and Discipling the Next Generation
[38:56] - The War for the Next Generation
[41:15] - Small Acts, Eternal Impact
[41:44] - Baptism and Testimony of Changed Lives
[42:25] - Closing Prayer and Response

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

1 John 3:11-18 (ESV) — 11 For this is the message that you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another. 12 We should not be like Cain, who was of the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his own deeds were evil and his brother’s righteous. 13 Do not be surprised, brothers, that the world hates you. 14 We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers. Whoever does not love abides in death. 15 Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him. 16 By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. 17 But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? 18 Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.

Observation Questions

According to 1 John 3:14, what is the evidence that someone has “passed out of death into life”?
In the sermon, what example does John use from the Old Testament to illustrate what kills love? ([18:37])
What does John say is the difference between loving “in word or talk” and loving “in deed and in truth”? (1 John 3:18)
What are some of the “vital signs” of spiritual life that the sermon mentions? ([03:34])

Interpretation Questions

Why does John use the story of Cain and Abel to warn believers about attitudes like jealousy and resentment? How does this relate to relationships in the church? ([19:04])
The sermon says loving God’s family is “non-negotiable.” Why is love for other believers considered a vital sign of spiritual life, not just an optional part of Christianity? ([13:24])
What does it mean to “kill what kills love” in practical terms? How is this different from just avoiding obvious sins? ([24:53])
The sermon talks about “progress, not perfection” in loving others. Why is this distinction important for Christians who feel like they fall short? ([29:05])

Application Questions

The sermon says, “To love Christ is to love His imperfect, beautiful bride, even when it’s messy or inconvenient.” Think about your current involvement with the church. Are there ways you have treated love for God’s people as optional or secondary? What would it look like to make it a priority? ([13:24])
Are there any attitudes—like jealousy, bitterness, or resentment—that you have been “petting” instead of uprooting? What is one step you can take this week to address these attitudes honestly before God? ([24:53])
The story of Zacchaeus shows a life transformed by Jesus that overflows into generosity and action. Is there a specific way you feel prompted to “give your life away” for someone else right now? What’s holding you back? ([33:01])
The sermon mentions that loving the church can be messy and inconvenient. Can you recall a time when you were tempted to walk away from Christian community? What helped you stay, or what might help you stay next time? ([11:24])
The sermon challenges us to move beyond words to “real, sacrificial action.” What is one tangible act of love you can do for someone in your church family this week? ([28:16])
The pastor shared about people serving in children’s ministry and making an impact with small things like sticky notes. Is there a “small” way you could serve or encourage someone that might have a bigger impact than you realize? ([36:10])
When you look at your own life, do you see evidence of spiritual “vital signs” like love, repentance, and sacrificial giving? If not, what is one area you want to ask God to change in you this month? ([03:34])

Sermon Clips

That's what it means to be a Christian and that's the big idea over the top of our message today in 1 John chapter three is that a life that has been changed by God will start to change. If you're taking notes, you can write that down. That a life has been changed by God, if your life has been changed by God, you will start to see your life change. That's the way it works. [00:01:35] (27 seconds) #ChangedByGodChange

And he's saying, hey, here's a sign of life that you need to be looking for. If your life has been changed by God, your life will start to change and that you love the family of God. That you love God, but he's perfect. It's that you love the imperfect people, the annoying people, the distracting people. That's what John says is a marker of the Christian, a sign of life. [00:10:56] (27 seconds) #LoveTheImperfect

And it's so confusing if you actually read the Bible because the Bible will say that the church is the bride of Christ. Christ, that's the imagery. Now, if you were to come to me and say, Tim, I like you. Like, I want to hang out with you. I love your sermons. I love your shoes. I would say thank you. But if you said, hey, I want to hang out with you, but if you could just make sure, leave your wife, Jaya, at home. I can't, I mean, just to be honest with you, Tim, I can't stand her. [00:12:26] (30 seconds) #PackageDealFaith

This is my wife. This is my bride of 20 years almost, right? Like, you get me, you get my bride. It's a package deal. And that's the picture that God paints in Scripture. You get God, you get his bride. It's a package deal. You cannot bifurcate them. And yet many of us in our culture, many of us in the church, we've stopped reading the Bible. And we've started writing our own Bible and just doing what we want to do and saying, I'm out on the family of God. [00:13:16] (33 seconds) #LoveBeyondLabels

You're looking at someone for whom Christ died. That's who you're looking at. That's the people in the overflow. That's the people in this room. How would your life changed if you saw people like that? How would you love people if you saw them like that? That's what John is calling us to. That's a sign of life. [00:14:46] (25 seconds) #NoLoneRangerChristian

And as we talked, it hit me that every one of us has places where we need God to breathe life again. Our marriages, our parenting, our work, all of it. And as he was doing that, not just through the Bible, but through the Bible, through the people in the room, it reminded me, I'm not alone. And honestly, I realized I can't afford not to be a part of this. I said, you can't afford to be a lone ranger Christian. You need to hear me. I said, there's no such thing. There's no such thing. [00:17:10] (31 seconds) #KillWhatKillsLove

We'll start to kill what kills love. Look at verse 14. We see the other side of the coin. Like if you pass from death into life, you'll love the brothers. Whoever does not love like that, you abide in death. You're still dead. Verse 15, he says, everyone who hates his brother is a murderer. And then further up in verse 12, he kind of wraps all of this with a story about Cain and Abel. That's from Genesis chapter four. [00:18:21] (29 seconds) #LoveLikeJesus

We treat it like a cat, like a household kitty pet. And we just kind of pet it and keep it there and we keep looking online and we keep going on and posting on Facebook because everybody needs to hear what you have to say and we pet it like a kitty when it's a lion seeking to devour you and your relationships. Listen, what breaks my heart as a pastor, I see it out there in the world all the time. What breaks my heart is when I see that in the church of Jesus Christ. [00:25:06] (33 seconds) #GreatnessInLifeChange

So he says, this is what life in Christ looks like, giving your life away. What does that look like? Well, verse 18, look at the verse. He says, it's not just talking the talk. It's walking the walk. It's in deed and action and in truth. Verse 16, look up at that verse. I love this. He says, by this we know love that he laid down his life for us. That's Jesus. And we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. [00:28:08] (25 seconds)

And did you know, like, TikTok preaches to them? Parents, did you know that? Instagram preaches to them. And did you know, it's, they're not preaching the four laws. They're not preaching the Romans Road. they're preaching a counterfeit gospel and our kids get that every single day. And so an hour, a Sunday, Marina steps in with some sticky notes and the Holy Spirit of God is like, hey, let's go to truth in the midst of lies. [00:38:53] (34 seconds)

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