Why Would I Go The Extra Mile For Someone?

 GOING THE EXTRA MILE

What does it mean for us to “go the extra mile” and why would we choose to do that?

The "going the extra mile" principle encourages us to live from a generous heart.  Jesus taught us not to do things from selfish motives or from a bitter reaction to the bad behaviour of others.  His standard for us is to show kindness, grace, and generosity to our neighbours.

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

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. 

There will always be people who thoughtlessly do things 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?  Look at the example Jesus has laid down for us.

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 God, that while we were still lost in our sin and rebellious ways, You took notice of us, and acted on our behalf.  Thank You Jesus for going the extra mile for us by dying on the cross to provide forgiveness for our sins and to enable us to be restored to eternal life with our Loving Heavenly Father. 

Help us now, today, to follow Your example Jesus, and be willing to go the extra mile on behalf of others.   

It’s not easy to go the extra mile, it’s often inconvenient and costly in some ways and when it’s asked of us, particularly with people who irritate us and make unreasonable demands of our time, well, You know, Lord, how challenging that is.  But help us today we pray.  Amen

Well, as we allow God’s love and gratitude for that love to be first in our thoughts, I think we’ll find a way to go the extra mile for others.  Have a great day.  Amen