Going the Extra Mile

“And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.”  Matthew 5:41

We have all heard the old saying about “going the extra mile”.  This saying didn’t originate with some ancient philosopher or old sage, but it originated with Jesus.  Many folks today do not want to go the extra mile to lend a helping hand to another who is facing some sort of task or dilemma in which he or she could use some help.  There is always an excuse:  “it’s out of my way” or “it might take too long” or “my back is out” or, heaven forbid, “it might cost me some of my own cash”.  Another excuse that people use is to deny help to someone because that someone got himself or herself into a situation in which others think he or she should figure out how to solve his or her own problem.  What kind of compassion is that?

However, there are certain situations in which we shouldn’t get involved.  It’s kind of like that old saying about changing things that you can change or leaving things alone which requires the wisdom to know the difference.  I know that I have involved myself in situations that would have been better for me to leave alone.  Sometimes, people don’t really want your help or advice, they just want you to listen to them as they describe their troubles.  However, in those instances where our assistance could be of value, we should do what we can to help others in time of need.  Isn’t that what we are on this planet for?  I know that if I need help, I sure am grateful for anyone who will take their time and energy to lend me a hand.  I think that’s what Jesus meant when He said to do unto others as you would have them do unto you (Luke 6:31).

If we truly want to be like Christ, then we need to emulate the care and concern that He has for folks like us.  It always surprises me that others, particularly Christians, are surprised when they see someone going the extra mile for another.  Many times, when we do something for someone else, we are the one who receives the blessing.  Serving Christ by serving others is what we are called to do as believers.  Isn’t that our “reasonable service” (Romans 12:1)?

Let’s go the extra mile/ Give more than we planned/ Do more than we are asked/ Even if others don’t understand.