GOING THE SECOND MILE

(From the author's next Daily Devotional, EVERY DAY WITH JESUS, 

due to be published sometime in 2018.)

        In Paula Fox’s fine little book, The Second Mile (Inspired Faith, 2009), she writes that “going the second mile” has its roots in first-century Palestine when a Roman soldier could compel a subject of a conquered land to carry his pack for him one mile. Resenting this rule, Israelites obeyed by going one mile, but not one step more.

        However, in His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus countered this resentment, saying, “If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two.” (Matthew 5:41) Going the Second Mile represents a higher law of kindness, generosity and love. Going the Second Mile means living above the norm, treating people with kindness and respect regardless of what we feel they may deserve. 

        This concept deserves our consideration, since this is surely not how most people live today. Little thought is often given even to following a rule, much less going beyond it to help someone. 

        Going the Second Mile is based not on emotions but on choice. We can choose to do a kind deed, not because someone deserves it, but because we want to live as Christ directs us. 

        Our world today is filled with anger, jealousy and selfishness. The antidote to these negative feelings is not resentment, rage, or demanding one’s rights. It is the “Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness gentleness, faithfulness and self-control,” that Paul speaks of in Galatians 5:22-23.

It can turn us from being a victim into a victor. 

Rev. Bob Tasler, www.bobtasler.com