Go the Extra Mile
by Brandy Webb
Do you ever have that moment where someone asks you for a favor, and you really don’t want to do it? Maybe you are tired, maybe you are just not in the mood, but there really isn’t anything pressing that would stop you from helping. The only thing keeping you from helping the person is, you just don’t want to.
When I find myself in these situations, I ask myself, “What would the Messiah do?” I know that my attitude isn’t right, and I can go straight to Scripture and listen to His exact answer.
“If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also. And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away” (Matt 5:40-42).
“Give to everyone who asks you, and don’t ask him who takes away your goods to give them back again” (Luke 6:29).
I’ll be the first to admit these are some hard words to live by, especially since we live in a time where everyone is afraid of being taken for granted. We are afraid that people will use us if we are so kind; but wait, Jesus has an answer to that fear also. We are to “pray for them which spitefully use” us (Matt 5:44, KJV) because we are God’s children. Which means we are to show love also to our enemies (Matt 5:43-48).
Seriously, why are we so afraid to live like Jesus tells us to? Aren’t we supposed to trust Him that we will reap what we sow. Therefore, if we willingly reap bountifully, we will also sow bountifully (2 Cor 9:6). Remember, reaping requires the right attitude. God loves a cheerful giver, not a reluctant one, so if you are only doing things because you think you have to and not because you want to, your harvest may not be that bountiful.
I believe that if we tried to live by the example and teachings of our Messiah, we would probably experience more joy, more peace, more comfort, etc., despite someone taking us for granted, despite our being persecuted, and despite the fact that the reaction from the receiver is not what we expected. We are to live a life that glorifies God, not us, not people, not society. We are also to seek the Kingdom of God and not worry about anything else.
So, the next time someone asks a favor of you, instead of trying to come up with excuses as to why you can’t help them, think of it as an opportunity to live like the Messiah. Think of it as a chance to let the light within you shine outward, and remember:
It is well with the man who deals generously and lends; who conducts his affairs with justice. For the righteous will never be moved; he will be remembered forever. He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the Lord (Psalm 112:5-7).