Like a great meal, God has provided the believer with a dynamic recipe for living. Our 3 key ingredients as a believer include: Faith (Believing), Hope, and Love. Let’s stay with God’s recipe for the believer. Live in peace and live large. Enjoy!
Uncommon Compassion: The Courage to Love When It’s Not Easy
Compassion is often seen as a soft virtue—a gentle kindness reserved for those in need. But true, Biblical compassion is anything but weak. It is fierce, brave, and countercultural. It sees pain and chooses to engage. It costs something.
In Luke 10, Jesus tells the story of the Good Samaritan. A man is beaten and left for dead. Religious leaders pass by, perhaps too busy or too holy to help. But a Samaritan—an outsider, an enemy by cultural standards—stops, binds his wounds, and pays for his care. Jesus called this man the neighbor.
Real compassion crosses lines. It refuses to let prejudice, politics, or personal comfort keep it from action. It risks reputation to reach the broken. In 1 John 3:17–18, we read, “But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?”
Jesus’ entire ministry was built on uncommon compassion. He touched lepers. He dined with tax collectors. He forgave adulterers. He wept at gravesides. He didn’t just feel compassion; He moved with it.
Colossians 3:12 instructs us to “put on…bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering.” Compassion is not just a response—it’s a garment we wear, a lifestyle we choose.
But let’s be honest: compassion is inconvenient. It interrupts our schedules, challenges our biases, and stretches our hearts. It is easier to scroll past need than to stop and serve.
Uncommon compassion requires courage. The courage to step into messy situations. The courage to forgive when it’s hard. The courage to love those who may never return it.
We don’t need to be rich to be compassionate. We need to be available. A kind word, a shared meal, a listening ear—these are acts of the Kingdom.
In a world growing colder by the day, compassion is revolutionary. It is light in darkness. It is God’s love in action. As believers, we are not called to comfort but to compassion. We are called to embody the heart of Christ.
May we be people who love without limits, serve without seeking recognition, and extend grace without condition. Let our compassion be uncommon.
The Work of Love: Embracing Our Responsibility to Help One Another
One of the most pervasive lies in our culture today is the idea that we can thrive spiritually in isolation. Statements like, “I don’t go to church, but I have my relationship with God,” or “I’m spiritual, but I don’t need a community,” sound self-sufficient but miss the mark entirely. Scripture paints a radically different picture: one of love and responsibility within the body of Christ. If we are to be followers of Jesus, we cannot ignore His call to walk together, to bear each other’s burdens, and to restore one another in love.
In Galatians 6, Paul lays out this blueprint of community and responsibility, and as we explore these verses, it becomes clear: our love for one another is not optional. It’s central to the Gospel.
Paul begins with this command:
“Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.” (Galatians 6:1)
Let’s break this down. The word overtaken here comes from the Greek prolambano, which implies being caught off guard, exposed before you can hide the mistake. This isn’t about secret sins—it’s about visible missteps, the kind of faults that everyone sees. What’s our instinct when this happens? Too often, it’s to criticize or gossip. But Paul calls us to something higher: restoration.
The word restore is a medical term, referring to resetting a broken bone. Think about that imagery. When you reset a bone, you don’t bash it into place—you carefully, lovingly, and deliberately bring it back to alignment. This is how we are called to treat those who have fallen: not with condemnation, but with gentleness and grace.
But restoration doesn’t fall solely on the “leaders” or “the more spiritual.” Paul doesn’t say, “Let the pastor handle it.” Instead, he addresses all of us who are walking in the Spirit. If we are filled with the Spirit, we are equipped to speak truth in love.
This responsibility challenges us to examine our own hearts. Paul warns, “Keep watch over your own heart so that you won’t be tempted to exalt yourself over him.” Restoration isn’t an opportunity for self-righteousness; it’s a chance to love someone back to the Father, recognizing that we, too, need grace.
Paul continues:
“Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2)
What is the law of Christ? It’s love—plain and simple. Jesus summarized it in two commands: Love God with all your heart, soul, and mind, and love your neighbor as yourself. (Matthew 22:37-39). Paul ties this love directly to bearing each other’s burdens.
The burdens Paul refers to here are the weights and troubles of life—those moments when the load becomes too heavy to carry alone. Maybe it’s a financial struggle, a crisis of faith, or simply the trials of everyday life. When we step in to help, we are fulfilling Christ’s command to love.
But here’s the thing: some burdens we can share, and others we must carry ourselves. Paul clarifies this in verse 5:
“For every man shall bear his own burden.”
At first glance, this seems like a contradiction. How can we bear one another’s burdens while also carrying our own? The answer lies in understanding the distinction. There are shared burdens—those we can lighten for others through prayer, encouragement, or practical help. But there are also personal responsibilities, like renewing our minds and walking in obedience to God, that no one else can do for us.
This balance reminds us that while community is vital, each of us is accountable for our walk with God. We cannot rely on others to do the spiritual work we are called to do ourselves.
One of the greatest dangers in helping others is the temptation to compare or exalt ourselves. Paul addresses this directly:
“For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.” (Galatians 6:3)
Self-deception is the hardest to overcome because it blinds us to the truth. When we approach someone in need, we must come with humility, remembering that we are all sinners saved by grace.
I learned this lesson the hard way. A few years ago, I came across a news article about a well-known minister who had fallen into sin. I forwarded it to a friend with some snarky comments. His response cut me to the heart: “We don’t rejoice over a brother’s fall. We pray for their restoration.” That reproof reminded me that love doesn’t gloat over failure—it seeks redemption.
Humility keeps us focused on our own walk with God. As Paul says in verse 4:
“Let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.”
When we fix our eyes on Jesus and live faithfully, we can rejoice in a life well-lived without falling into the trap of comparison.
Paul concludes with a call to perseverance:
“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” (Galatians 6:9)
Loving others isn’t always easy. It’s exhausting to walk with someone through their struggles, especially when change is slow or setbacks occur. I think of a man in our fellowship who struggled with addiction. We helped him out of crack houses multiple times, only for him to relapse again and again. Eventually, we had to step back and let him take responsibility for his recovery.
Sometimes the best way to love someone is to let them bear their own burden. But even when the work of love wears us out, we are called to press on. Why? Because God promises a harvest. Every act of love, every moment of grace, every sacrifice we make will bear fruit in God’s perfect timing.
Paul wraps up this section with an exhortation:
“As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.” (Galatians 6:10)
Our love should extend to everyone, but there is a special responsibility we have to our brothers and sisters in Christ. We are a family—a community bound together by the love of Jesus.
This kind of community doesn’t happen by accident. It requires intentionality. It means showing up, speaking truth, offering encouragement, and being vulnerable. It means restoring gently, bearing burdens humbly, and persevering faithfully.
As we embrace this work of love, we reflect the heart of Jesus. He didn’t stay distant—He stepped into our mess, carried our burdens, and restored us to the Father. Let’s do the same for one another.
In a world that celebrates independence, let us be a people who live in radical interdependence. Let us love deeply, give generously, and walk humbly together. Because when we do, we fulfill the law of Christ, and the world will know we are His disciples.
In this teaching we pull back all the ritual and tradition of Communion, and show God’s original intent for Communion. May we return to the power of Communion and begin to once again reap the benefits of Communion. Enjoy!
Sorry All, the video seems to have cut off around 25 minutes. We believe you’ll still enjoy the teaching!
What God has done for us in Christ Jesus is beyond awesome. In this teaching we will examine on a deeper level what the “more abundant” life means to us in our day. We will show how doctrinal error has crippled the believer spiritually. Let’s return to the true doctrine of the Word of God and walk in the fulness of it. Enjoy!
In order for any relationship to work (including our relationship with God), it requires us to be thankful. When we are not thankful we become vulnerable to the darkness of the Adversary. Lets learn to have a lifestyle of thankfulness each and every day. Enjoy the teaching and God bless you.
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Our power in life comes as we continue to engage in the scriptures, both doctrinally and practically. Listen as Rev. Smith shows us that our very lives turn on our choice ot either engage or disengage in the scriptures. Enjoy!
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God our Father wants us to give Him our cmplete attention so He can give us His attention. We want to arrive at the heart of the Father and then carry that heart daily. Listen as Rev. Smith expounds on getting to the father’s heart. Enjoy and be blessed.
Thanks for watching! Sunday Teachings go live every Tuesday.
You can check out our latest blog post here!
Join us for our Monthly Spiritual Development Fellowship. The 1st Wednesday of every month starting on Wednesday, April 3rd at 5:30pm MST/7:30pm EST.
To receive an email when a new Broadcast goes live, please enter your email here…
The journey of a believer is a call to walk in the light of God, reflecting His character and manifesting His Kingdom in our daily lives. The Apostle Paul beautifully captured this in Ephesians 5:1, “Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children.” To follow God is to imitate Him, to live as He lives, and to reflect His nature, which is light. But what does it truly mean to walk in the Kingdom of Light, and how does it contrast with the kingdom of darkness?
Scripture teaches us that there are two kingdoms: the Kingdom of God, characterized by light, and the kingdom of the devil, characterized by darkness. These kingdoms are diametrically opposed, with their laws, principles, and outcomes. God is the source of light, and where His presence dwells, darkness cannot exist. Darkness, as the absence of light, represents separation from God, devoid of His truth, love, and power.
Jesus Christ declared, “I am the Light of the World” (John 8:12), signifying His connection to the Father, the ultimate source of light. As believers, we are called to reflect this light, just as the moon reflects the light of the sun. Jesus also said, “Ye are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14). This profound statement reveals our role: to be conduits of God’s light, illuminating the path for those living in darkness.
Walking in the light begins with a decision. It’s not about perfection but alignment. Just as a car out of alignment needs adjustment to function properly, our lives must be aligned with God’s Word and His standards. Ephesians 5:8 reminds us, “For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light.” This transformation from darkness to light is both a privilege and a responsibility.
Walking in the light means:
God’s purpose for His children is not isolation but illumination. Matthew 5:15 says, “Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.” Our light is meant to shine in our families, communities, and workplaces.
Unfortunately, many believers struggle with the temptation to retreat. They may think, “I’ll just stay among other Christians where it’s safe.” But Jesus’ commission was to go into the world, not hide from it. Light is most impactful where darkness is greatest. Our presence in dark places—not to conform but to transform—is what brings glory to God.
As individual lights, we shine. Together, we become a city set on a hill (Matthew 5:14). Fellowship with other believers strengthens our light and provides accountability. Hebrews 10:24-25 encourages us to spur one another toward love and good deeds, gathering together to encourage and strengthen our faith.
Ultimately, walking in the Kingdom of Light is a choice. 1 John 1:5-7 declares, “God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all… If we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.”
The adversary desires for us to live in confusion, blending light and darkness. But God’s call is clear: choose light. Align your life with His Word, reflect His nature, and shine His light into the world. When we do, we not only glorify God but also invite others to experience the life-transforming power of His Kingdom.
This week, take time to evaluate your alignment with God’s Kingdom. Are there areas where darkness has crept in? Don’t be discouraged. Instead, realign yourself with His light. Remember, God’s grace is sufficient, and His Spirit empowers you to walk as a child of light. Let your light shine brightly, reflecting the love, truth, and power of your Father in Heaven.
/Living in the Light: The Characteristics of God’s Kingdom
In our world today, there are only two kingdoms: the Kingdom of God and the kingdom of the devil. There is no middle ground. Each of us is a citizen of one or the other. These kingdoms operate with distinct authority, culture, and governing standards. But what does it mean to live in God’s Kingdom, and how can we reflect its essence?
God’s Kingdom is not a democracy. It is ruled by the supreme authority of the King of kings, and His Word is the final law. Unlike earthly governments where decisions are often subject to votes and debates, the Kingdom of God operates on divine principles that are eternal, unchanging, and perfect. As citizens of this Kingdom, we don’t get to vote on what we like or dislike. Instead, we align ourselves with the King’s will, which is revealed in His Word.
One defining characteristic of God’s Kingdom is light. The Bible repeatedly connects God’s nature and His Kingdom to light, while associating the kingdom of the devil with darkness. Light signifies truth, purity, and divine guidance, while darkness represents deception, sin, and spiritual blindness. Understanding this contrast helps us grasp what it means to walk as citizens of God’s Kingdom.
Light is never defeated. No matter how deep the darkness, even the smallest light can illuminate the space. This truth mirrors the spiritual reality of God’s light. Colossians 1:12-13 declares: “Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of His dear Son.”
Through Jesus Christ, we are rescued from the oppressive authority of darkness and transferred into the Kingdom of Light. This is not just a change of address but a transformation of identity. We are now called to reflect God’s light in every area of our lives.
Darkness, by definition, is the absence of light. As believers, it is both our privilege and responsibility to walk in the light of God’s truth and to let that light shine in a world steeped in darkness. When we harbor or engage in darkness, we hinder our ability to reflect God’s light. This is why Jesus’ example is so crucial. In John 8:12, He said, “I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”
Living in God’s Kingdom requires adherence to its standards. Just as earthly citizenship comes with responsibilities, so does our heavenly citizenship. For example, as citizens of the United States, we obey laws such as obtaining a driver’s license or paying taxes—so long as they don’t conflict with God’s laws. Similarly, as citizens of God’s Kingdom, we live by the principles laid out in His Word.
Jesus demonstrated this standard perfectly. When tempted by the devil, He didn’t rely on His own thoughts or consult others. He responded with the Word of God. This is our pattern. Walking in the light means aligning our actions, motives, and decisions with God’s truth.
The purpose of light is not just to expose darkness but to guide others toward the truth. Luke 1:79 speaks of Jesus’ mission “to give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.”
Many people live comfortably in spiritual darkness, unaware of the life and freedom available in God’s Kingdom. Our role as believers is to shine the light of Christ through our words, actions, and love. This light not only exposes the reality of sin but also illuminates the path to salvation through Jesus Christ.
John 3:19-21 emphasizes the human tendency to prefer darkness over light because their deeds are evil. Yet, those who embrace the truth come into the light, revealing that their works are done in God. This underscores the need for us to reflect God’s light boldly and consistently. The brighter we shine, the more we push back the darkness, compelling others to consider stepping into the light.
As believers, we carry the treasure of God’s light within us. 2 Corinthians 4:6-7 reminds us: “For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.”
This treasure is the Holy Spirit dwelling within us, empowering us to reflect God’s glory. It is a constant reminder that our ability to shine comes not from our strength but from His power at work in us.
Living in the light means allowing every aspect of our lives to reflect God’s truth and love. It’s about aligning our thoughts, words, and actions with His Word and relying on His Spirit to guide us. It also means being intentional about shining in a world that often prefers darkness. As Acts 26:18 states, our mission is “to open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.”
This week, commit to walking in the light. Reflect on areas in your life that need more of God’s illumination. Remember, as citizens of God’s Kingdom, we have the privilege and responsibility to shine brightly in a dark world. Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
As we continue this journey, we’ll delve deeper into the characteristics of God’s Kingdom and the responsibilities we carry as its citizens. For now, let’s shine the light of God’s truth and love, demonstrating the beauty and power of living in His Kingdom. Light has never been defeated, and as long as we remain in it, neither will we.