The extra mile

If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also. And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. – Matthew 5.40-41

‘Going the extra mile’ is a common phrase in English. We all know that it means. It means doing more than just what is expected.

This teaching is in the same context of turning the other cheek. The idea is the same. We need to be less concerned about how we are treated or mistreated and more concerned about the impact on others.

If someone sues you for your tunic, give him your cloak as well. If someone wants you to walk a mile with them, go two. Go the extra mile.

We can easily get into the trap of doing ‘just enough’ in our Christian walk. I doubt any of us would actually say it, but ‘I’ll do what I have to do’ is the attitude many people take.

God says that is not nearly enough. If someone asks for your help don’t just do what they ask, stay with them and makes sure things are sorted.

The Sermon on the Mount is a lot about attitudes. The attitude is clear here. God wants more than half- hearted Christianity. In our walk with others and in our walk with the Lord we need to be sure to not be so worried about how little we can get away with , and more concerned with that extra mile.