"And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two." (Matthew 5:41, NKJV)
Jesus, as He delivers His famous "sermon on the mount," tells His followers that if someone is in need, we should not settle at doing the bare minimum, but we should go to greater lengths to give assistance.
The context of Jesus' statement comes from the practice of the Roman soldier who, while on military campaign, could require a civilian to carry his gear for approximately one mile so that the soldier could rest. The civilian was duty bound to carry the gear upon the soldier's request.
Jesus uses this practice to set forth an ethical guide for all of us. Jesus, in essence says, when it comes to aiding and assisting others, we should go further than what is merely required. He teaches us, to do the bare minimum, is not the character of His disciples. His disciples do more than what is required. His disciples go beyond the norm and out of their way to serve.
Let us heed the words of Jesus today. As we work for our employers, serve in our ministries and even as it relates to school and our study habits, let us show that we are children of God through Jesus the Christ and go beyond the norm. Let us show our devotion to God and our love for others as we go, even sometimes out of our way, to bless and be a blessing to others. Let us serve, study and work even beyond other's expectations. Let us GO THE EXTRA MILE.
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