Jesus said, “If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles” (Matthew 5:41). In the tradition during Jesus’ time, a Roman soldier could force you to carry his load for a mile. Jesus asks you to volunteer another mile. My thought was “why?” Thinking led me to consider that in voluntarily going the second mile I would get over being upset about the first mile. It would also give validity to my sincere and truthful testimony about Jesus.
Can we apply those words of verse 41 to our lives today? Sometimes we hear about going the second mile, meaning we do things for others more than we have to do. In this same way is Matthew 5:44, “Love your enemy, pray for those who persecute you.” The words of Jesus in Matthew 5:27-48, all deal with the new lifestyle of following Jesus’ way of life.
And, Jesus thinks you are capable of living His lifestyle because He said in verse 48, “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
Do you have comments or questions? Call the editor, 308-762-3060, and he will pass them on to me.