The extra mile

If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Matthew 5:4

As runners, we all know what it means to run a mile. Most of us even know how long that will take.  But, do we know what it means to go the "extra mile"? In Jesus' day, Roman soldiers had the authority to force civilians to carry their loads. However, Roman law said that a person only had to do this service for one mile and then he was free to go. Back then, the mile was measured in steps, one thousand to be exact. And you could probably bet they counted every one of them. When they got to one thousand, they stopped.... done and not one step more.

As degrading, hard and unappreciated as that was, why would Jesus ask them to carry it another mile then? Because, as followers, we are to give those that ask of us more than what is asked of us. And by doing so, demonstrating the love of Christ to others...the same love that held Him on the cross for people that did far worse than any Roman soldier. People like you and me.

You see, there are certain things that are required of us. They are the first mile. What we do next is the "extra mile", the one that sets us apart as believers. The mile we walk, not because we have to, but because we want to. Because that's what Christ would do, wouldn't He?

Heavenly Father, thank you for going the extra mile and dying for our sins.  Please help us to be a blessing to someone else today by going the extra mile and, by doing so, show your love to others. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus, Amen.

Happy Running!!!
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The extra mile - Laura Pausini

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3MffssEEhgk