I'm VERIFIED (Pt. 3) | Pastor Kevin G. Swann // Ivy Baptist Church

I'm VERIFIED | Part 3: Godly Love + Concern for Others | Pastor Kevin G. Swann 1 John 3:14-16 & 1 John 4:19-21 (NIV) You say you love God, but does the way you love people verify it? In part 3 of the I’M VERIFIED sermon series, Pastor Kevin G. Swann shares the third indicator of an authentic believer: true believers have godly love and concern for others. According to 1 John, our relationship with God cannot be separated from the way we treat the people around us. Worship, church attendance, Bible knowledge and spiritual gifts may be visible, but Scripture points us toward another evidence of authentic faith: how we love. And godly love is different from the love culture often celebrates. Agape love isn't based simply on emotions, what someone does for us or what we receive in return. Jesus is our standard. He demonstrated a love that was sacrificial and costly when He laid down His life for us. That same love should flow through us to others. Key Scriptures: • 1 John 3:14–16 • 1 John 4:19–21 • 1 Corinthians 13 • Ephesians 5:25 Key Takeaways: • True believers have godly love and concern for others. • Our love for God should be evident in the way we treat people. • Agape love is not based on what we receive in return. • Jesus is the standard for what genuine love looks like. • Godly love is sacrificial and costly. • We cannot love others this way in our own strength. We love because God first loved us. • Spiritual growth has levels, and believers should remain in constant pursuit of a deeper relationship with God. • Loving God and loving people go together. We cannot choose one without the other. The cross is vertical in how we love God, but it is also horizontal in how we love each other. Throughout I’M VERIFIED, we've examined three biblical indicators of an authentic walk with Christ: ✓ Indicator #1: Choose obedience to Christ over habitual sin. ✓ Indicator #2: True believers have staying power. ✓ Indicator #3: True believers have godly love and concern for others. The question now is personal: Is there evidence in your life that you've been VERIFIED? Watch and take time to examine what your life says about your relationship with Christ. New here? We’d love to meet you this week. https://www.ivybaptistchurch.org/im-n... Prayed the prayer of salvation today or ready to follow Jesus? We’re celebrating with you! Reach out so our team can walk with you. https://www.ivybaptistchurch.org/im-n... Need prayer? Drop a request and our ministers will cover you. https://www.ivybaptistchurch.org/cont... To support the ministry of Ivy Baptist Church and help us continue sharing the gospel, visit https://ivybaptistchurch.org/give/ #verified #baptistchurch #sundayservice #ivybaptistchurch #newportnews