Where's my second mile?

Matthew 5:38-42 NLT

"You have heard the law that says the punishment must match the injury: 'An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.' [39] But I say, do not resist an evil person! If someone slaps you on the right cheek, offer the other cheek also. [40] If you are sued in court and your shirt is taken from you, give your coat, too. [41] If a soldier demands that you carry his gear for a mile, carry it two miles. [42] Give to those who ask, and don't turn away from those who want to borrow.

"Where is your second mile?" The Lord whispered in my ear.

I had been trying to justify my reticence to help someone who was needy but very demanding.

Others had encouraged my reluctance...

Yet underneath I was uneasy - should I really turn away like that?

Now comes "the kicker"...

Jesus gave His battle instructions for those who would truly hear, listen and respond.

Going the first mile is doing what I'm forced to do, what is normally expected of me.

Like back in Roman times, it was law that a Roman soldier could pick anyone to carry his gear for a mile.... that person had to comply.

It was a grudging, complaining mile to trudge under cruel coercion.

Those listening to Jesus wold have understood and even taken part in such a mile.

Imagine their shock at His instructions to go a further mile WITHOUT being asked or forced to!

Yet, it's there in black and white... a voluntary second mile.... a mile that separates out those who just hear, from those who lovingly obey Jesus' "call to arms".

That's my battle - to fight off self preservation and "go for it" knowing it will hurt and be inconvenient.

But to do it out of unconditional love for Jesus.

Can I offer such a mile?