Verse of the Day 1/13

Matthew 5:41-42 And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. ⁴² Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away.  New King James Version (NKJV)

 

You've all probably heard the phrase "going the extra mile" in reference to someone who goes beyond what is expected, puts everything into it.  It is a commendable trait.  The context here is some one compelling, coercing someone to carry someone else's gear for a mile and instead of putting up a fuss and accommodating the person, to go ahead, without fanfare, to carry the load the extra mile.

 

In the passage Jesus deals with matters such as being willing to give the shirt off your back, to go the extra mile and to give to the one who begs, and not to refuse to give a loan to someone who asks to borrow from you.  All of them are tall challenges for us and may go against our common instincts.  Once again Jesus is challenging his followers to step out of their comfort zones and to give of themselves.

 

As we head out into the work week, are we ready to open ourselves up to give, to walk, and to lend when we are asked to do so?  How may we go the "extra mile"?  The Message sums it up at the end of verse 42, "live generously".

 

In Christ,
Mike

 

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Eph 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace  NIV

Matthew 5:38-42

The Message (MSG)

Love Your Enemies

^38-42 "Here's another old saying that deserves a second look: 'Eye for eye, tooth for tooth.' Is that going to get us anywhere? Here's what I propose: 'Don't hit back at all.' If someone strikes you, stand there and take it. If someone drags you into court and sues for the shirt off your back, gift-wrap your best coat and make a present of it. And if someone takes unfair advantage of you, use the occasion to practice the servant life. No more tit-for-tat stuff. Live generously.