Matthew 5:41

From January 14, 2011



“And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two.”


(just some thoughts I scribbled down in my journal earlier today, so it’s a little scattered, a little stream of consciousness, but I wanted to share them).


In my Bible, Matthew 5:38-42 is headed with “Go the Second Mile”, and the entire section is compelling.  But that line above - it is particularly striking to me now.  Because it’s not just complying with someone, but doing more than what is asked.  A truly selfless spirit is presented in these verses, and I think that selflessness is so important, yet so disregarded often times. 


I don’t think it’s being a pushover.  I think it’s not caring about your pride or what you’re entitled to or what the other person is not entitled to - it’s putting all of that aside and just all out serving regardless, because it is the right spirit to have.  And that is so powerful.  I think it says so much to be able to act that way - especially when you are not at all expected to or when the person doesn’t deserve it - especially in this very self-involved day and age.


I think to be able to behave like that in this selfish world is nothing short of God, and it would really allow everyone to see Christ through us.  For them to pick up on that would be such a testament to the changing power for the Spirit.  Plus imagine a world where where not only everyone was selfless, but also went that extra mile.  I think that would look great, if down in the right spirit.


It’s a struggle, but I’ve been trying to embody that selfless spirit.  I think it’s so important as a follower of Christ, especially seeing how He gave the greatest sacrifice ever to people who don’t deserve it.  So I’m inspired to sacrifice as well for the betterment of the lives of other people, even in the smallest of ways. 


I think self-denial is neither a weak or foolish thing.  Especially when I have so much more in Jesus, anyway.  So it’s not like I have to give up what’s really important.