The older I get the more I value relationships.
With Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 5, I see so much wisdom about making relationships work – even the difficult ones.
I learn from Jesus to go the extra mile, value covenant relationships and be reconciled. These are our lessons for the next weeks.
This weekend I’m talking about walking the extra mile especially in difficult encounters and relationships.
How am I to relate to another who insults me? What about someone who takes advantage of my disadvantage? How do I relate to a person who infringes on my routine? What do I answer the person who continually shows up with a hand out and a need to be met?
The answer is simple, but somewhat complex. I go the extra mile – regardless. To the one who insults me, I chose not to reciprocate the insult or injury. With the one who takes advantage of my disadvantage, I surrender more than what is required. For the one who infringes on my routine, I’ll give more. With the one who asks for a need to be met, I’ll not turn away empty handed.
I want to be the guy who blesses and treats those I encounter with respect, honesty and integrity.
How do I do this? I do this not as a natural man, but as the spiritual man.
- I choose to live Spirit led
- I choose to live peaceably
- I choose to walk the extra mile
- I choose to yield my personal rights
- I choose to bless and work for the benefit of someone at odds with me and not harm
- I choose to live with forbearance
Why? It’s simple, because relationships matter. We mattered enough to God; shouldn’t we matter enough to each other. Even with the difficult relationships, as a Christ follower, I must go the extra mile.
