I John 3 11-24 015 More on Love and Hatred

Pastor Tom Doherty delivers a powerful closing message from 1 John 3:11–24, framing love not as a feeling but as a radical, actionable commitment rooted in Christ’s sacrifice. He confronts the dangerous reality that hatred—especially toward fellow believers—is equivalent to murder in God’s eyes, warning that anyone who hates their brother remains in spiritual death. Drawing from personal anecdotes, including a spontaneous act of kindness at Starbucks, he illustrates how love must be lived out in concrete actions, not just words. The sermon culminates in a bold declaration: true faith is proven not by doctrine alone, but by obedience, prayer, and the indwelling Holy Spirit. Pastor Tom emphasizes that God answers prayers not because of our merit, but because we walk in His will and abide in Him—offering a deeply personal, transformative vision of Christian living that demands both humility and courage.