Going the extra mile
“Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone” (NIV) Romans 12:17-18
Satan always tries to blind the heart of men to believe that people should be aggressive and “hard” to succeed and achieve their purpose. Many people are not ready to help those in need because of the offence of others. Before one can commit an extra mile, you need to forgive people who offend and not to execute vengeance on innocent people.
The religion of Christianity demands a second mile in all our endeavours. There should be performance beyond the call of normal duty by doing more than one’s routine duty. If you treat people the same way they treat you, where lies your Christianity? Those in the world are better in that “you do me I do you mentality”. God’s people must go beyond the minimum requirements.
If Christians should accept and practice the principle of second mile, we can bring out the best in others because people will win the trust of Christians. Forgiving people and providing them with another opportunity will provide others with the chance to remedy their shortcomings.
Going the second mile makes the home life better and lightens life’s burdens. There will be peace among the husband, wife and children. There will be tranquility and increased productivity at work if we can give people the chance and go an extra mile with them.
Don’t retaliate by getting down to the level of offenders. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good (Rm. 12:21). Legally, everyone has rights and that insisting on yours always as Christian means seeking personal interest. Go an extra mile without complaining.
Imagine if the whole church is going an extra mile in forgiveness, worship, evangelism etc., the world would see the true nature of Christianity. Let us do more than is expected of us today. Forgive others when they are expecting revenge from you and show love. Demonstrate love and care to those who do not deserve it in your estimation. Let us change the world by surprising them with an extra mile of Christian love. Amen!