Going The Second Mile
by Pastor Mark Taylor
"And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two.” (Matthew 5:41)
Many left Jesus after this message because it cut across the grain. Roman law required a Jew to carry a soldiers' pack one mile. Jews marked a mile in all directions from their homes and would go not a step further. Jesus shocked His hearers It was not NORMAL to be so passive when abused or imposed upon. Jesus said they were to go another mile!
Today in our society, which speeds down the fast lane, there is a real need to understand and practice this principal. Patience, forbearance and forgiveness have little meaning to many today. Our old nature, called the carnal nature, causes us to have a bent to do things that will harm us all the while seeming to set things right. We as Christians are susceptible to losing our testimony for Christ and failing to show the love of Christ to others when something hurts us.
Parents are often so busy making a living and just living in our fast society have little time for raising their children. Many seem too busy to take time live by biblical principals or teach them to their children. The matter of teaching the children is left to the school or church. Teaching takes TIME, and many parents are to busy to be bothered with taking the time. It take both the husband and the wife to raise children to honor the Lord and live by the principles of God's word. Often, we let other things be more important! Children often need discipline and a sharp rebuke! But with it they need understanding, patience and a show of love. Sometimes we need to go the second mile with our children and grandchildren to give them our time. "Fathers provoke not your children to anger, least they be discouraged." (Col 3:21). "Fathers, provoke not your children to wrath, But bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord." (Eph 6:4).
Couples also live nervously and have a shaky relationship in their marriages. That negatively effects the children who need a steady and peaceful home to grow up in. They need an example to follow. It is a fact that most children will grow up and make the same mistakes their parents made. If they grow up in a home where there is little love shown, or where their parents fuss and fight...they will do the same in their families. Many times one partner or the other is ready in a second to express their own "rights". Real love which is tolerant, and understanding seems to be missing. Most when they think about it do in fact deeply love their spouse, yet they are irritable, many times they are not happy. We need to go the second mile with those we live with. The husband or wife, who is mistreated is by the Bible is compelled to give patience, and understanding for hurt and rebuff. We are to return good for evil.
On the job, there are those who are never satisfied and are chronic complainers! If everything is not just like they want it they, are ready to really bad mouth the company, or fellow employees. At church, folks sometimes become irritable at other members or even preacher because everything is not done just right or as they think it should be done.. You find folks sometimes being critical of things. This could be done better, or we ought to do it this way. Basically their not satisfied with anything! We need to go the second mile with those we work with and worship with.
When we are think we are mistreated, or someone is bothering us, lets ask ourselves whether or not they need our sympathy, our prayers, our understanding, and our patience rather than our cruel and caustic rebuffs. You see this it what Christ is telling us to do....this is godly principle that can bring peace and harmony that everyone wishes they had. This can pave the way for finding solutions to problems and correcting conflicts or difficulties that come up.
The Lord wants the best for us and He is trying to show us the way to have peace and joy in our lives. Jesus is saying we need to go the second mile! To show biblical love and have patience, and to slow down and discern really what the situation really is.
Our rebuff, or hateful reaction to another, only compounds the problem. Never has a sharp word, brought peace! Never has the letting oneself become frustrated help a situation become better. As a Christians we are to be witness to our mates, children, family, friends, and the world!
The sharp rebuke to the child alone, never helped teach a child patience. The angry response to the child's irritating us, assures that the problems will happen again.
Anyone can lash out and punish and avenge themselves! The fruit of such a response is like what is said about history. Those who ignore the reasons for its failures are sure to repeat them!
Christ wants the best for us! It is better to be humble.
"By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, and honour and life." Prov. 22:4
"The meek shall inherit the earth: and delight themselves in the abundance of peace." Prov. 37:11
Proverbs 15:1 "A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger."
Matt. 23:12. "Whosoever shall exalt himself shall abased and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted."
"Love (Charity) vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up". I Cor. 13:4
"With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love" (Eph. 4:2)
"Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of the Lord.” Eph. 5:21
"Put on therefore as the elect of God, holy and beloved, humbleness of mind, meekness.” Col 3:12,
