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Going the Extra Mile
Matthew 5:38-42 says, “38Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: 39But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. 40And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also. 41And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain. 42Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.”
The name “Christian” carries a lot of meaning to it. Of course, it has been misrepresented and misappropriated in Hollywood because the world’s definition of Christian is “being a nice person” or “living a victimized life while trying to not offend anyone else”. Christianity is not about a religion that gives you an idea about God, but it is about a relationship that centers solely upon knowing God, insomuch that intimacy with God is reflected through your relationship with others. Jesus confirmed this by revealing that the greatest commandment is loving God with everything inside of you, and the second is loving your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:37-40). If we truly love others the way that we love ourselves, we will treat them the way that we want to be treated, which is the “Golden Rule” (Matthew 7:12). This means that you will go the extra mile!
In the text, Jesus begins to explain how that we are to not resist evil, meaning that when we are confronted with evil we are not to do evil in return. The reason is because we will reap what we sow (Galatians 6:7). We do not overcome evil with evil, but we overcome it with good (Romans 12:21). It is why Jesus said if someone slaps you in the face turn to the other side and offer him that cheek. If someone sues you and takes your coat, offer him your clothes also. If someone asks you to walk with them one mile, walk with them two. If someone asks you for something or borrows something from you, do not demand it back! While all of this is tough to digest, what Christ is saying is that we as believers are to reflect His love and kindness to the world. Too many are simply just trying to barely make it in through the pearly gates. They just want to do only what is necessary to make it to heaven. They are not seeking to please God but rather to eternally please themselves. While obedience is better than sacrifice (1 Samuel 15:22), sacrifice still shows the authenticity and heart of a Christian. If we are truly passionately in love with God and people, we will do more than enough! It is time to go the extra mile and be a blessing instead of just seeking to be blessed! In return, God will reward you!