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In Hope

Going The Extra Mile

Friday April 3, 2020

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 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. 


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 NLT)


 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?

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 NIRV)

While we were still lost in our sin and rebellious ways, God took notice of us, and acted on our behalf.  Jesus went the extra mile for us by dying on the cross to provide forgiveness for our sins and to restore us to eternal life with Him forever. To follow Jesus in our new life means that we are also willing to go the extra mile on behalf of others. 


Prayer:  Heavenly Father, it’s not easy to go the extra mile, particularly with people who irritate me and make unreasonable demands of my time.  Through Your word, help me to gain wisdom and obey Your direction in each difficult situation I encounter.  Amen

©2020 Partners in Hope 
More information on this and other related topics @ http://www.partnersinhope.ca/life-with-god-in-recovery-resources/

Audio for Going The Extra Mile

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