go the extra mile

Matthew 5:41-42  NLT
If a soldier demands that you carry his gear for a mile, carry it two miles. Give to those who ask, and don’t turn away from those who want to borrow.
 
The extra mile can be defined in many different ways as well as head in many directions, but I would like to spend a few minutes asking us to go the extra mile helping others.  It might be said that this is a narrow view.  What I know, have seen and desire for more of is walking these extra miles with God and bringing others along.
 
Giving second chances is something our church does.  In fact many times it has become evident that we have given when other might not give.  I would rather err on the side of grace and generosity rather than on the side of law, being judgmental or stingy. 
 
Who do you know that needs a second chance?  How can you offer that second chance or help them experience God’s grace?
 
God went the extra mile for us.  That is evident in Jesus’ death for us.  He continues to go the extra mile by being with us, being our friend and filling us with blessings, wisdom and more.  Those blessings aren’t to be hoarded and kept in our storage for our use later.  The blessings are meant to be shared.
 
Let me give you a couple of points that will help you and I go the second mile.
 
First, don’t forget to take care of yourself.  If you have nothing to give, you can’t give to others.  Soak up time with God.  Do things that refresh you and feed your soul.  Enjoy life.  Cherish family and friends.  Invest in yourself as God invests in you, but make sure you don’t stop there.
 
Second, go the extra mile.  Offer extreme grace.  Give past the point where it hurts.  Make sure that you are using what you have, possessions as well as your time, to add value to lives of others.
 
Like the verses I began with it might be that some beg for you to go the extra mile.  Others will expect less of you, but don’t stop.  Let people see grace lived out through your life.  Seek to love extravagance. 
 
Literally choose the extra mile, and pray that God will use you to lead others to experience His best for them as you experience His best for you.
 
2 Corinthians 9:6,9  NLT
Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop… As the Scriptures say, “They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever.”
 
 
People I am praying for:
Pray for those battling various health issues including the flu.  Pray for a family in crisis.  Continue to pray for Carolyn Holland as she has a health procedure later this week, Tick Osborne’s grandmother, for Steve Stone recovering from heart bypass surgery, for Raceway Ministry going on at Martinsville Speedway this coming weekend and for a pastor friend in need.