GOING THE EXTRA MILE

Jesus taught us to live from a generous heart.  His standard for us is to show kindness, grace, and generosity in doing our duty and doing what we can to help our neighbours.

In Jesus’ day there was a much-hated custom that a soldier in the occupying army could enforce. An ordinary citizen could be ordered to carry a soldier’s heavy load for one mile.  This was inconvenient, humiliating, and disruptive for the person. 

Jesus used this custom to help His followers understand the practice of going beyond what is required and living in a way that benefits and supports others, even when our own interests must be set aside.  He said:

If a soldier demands that you carry his gear for a mile,

carry it two miles.  Give to those who ask, and

don’t turn away from those who want to borrow. 

Matthew 5:41-42

There will always be circumstances and rules that stretch our kindness and patience and stir-up our character defects.  Our choice is, will we react with anger and mean-spiritedness or will we go the extra mile?

Loving God.  We want to be like Jesus.  We say we are His followers and we want to act like it but it is challenging.

Jesus was equal with God. But Jesus didn’t take

advantage of that fact.  Instead, he made himself nothing. He did this by taking on the nature of a servant.  He was made just like human beings.

He appeared as a man. He was humble and

obeyed God completely. He did this even though

it led to his death. Even worse, he died on a cross!

Philippians 2:6b-8

Thank you, Jesus for going the extra mile for us by dying on the cross to provide forgiveness for our sins and to restore us to eternal life with You forever.

We know it’s not easy to go that extra mile, particularly with people who irritate us and make what seem to be unreasonable demands of our time. 

Please give us grace today to keep Your generous sacrifice in mind while us to walk in wisdom and with generosity throughout this day.  Amen