Week of April 19, 2024
“And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two.” Matthew 5:41 (NKJV)
Back in the time of Christ, if a Roman Soldier walked up and said carry this load for me by the law, you were required to do so for one mile. Jesus said not to carry it for one mile but to carry it for two. Jesus seems to be saying that if a person asks you to go one mile and you do it, you are only fulfilling what is required by the law. However, if you keep the load and indicate a willingness to go on in service, you surprise and impress others with your loving openness. The minimum does not impress Jesus. He calls His people to keep the load and press on.
What is an example of a practical application of second-mile Christianity? Instead of holding on to unforgiveness in your life because you have been wronged, go the second mile and forgive that person. I am not saying that you have to be in the same relationship, but you don’t hold on to resentment; you forgive. Go on beyond expectations. Give yourself beyond your limit, and you will find the second breath of the Holy Spirit infusing new life in your life.
God Bless, Pastor Rick