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

Matthew 5:41, LSB

Just prior to this verse, Jesus calls His disciples to turn the other cheek to a person if they strike you. This can be a difficult pill to swallow for some. I know it was for my father-in-law who said, “If someone hits me on my cheek, I’m not gonna let them hit the other one. They’ll hit the floor!” I think many may resonate with this sentiment. Jesus was calling His disciples to act differently. At the time of Jesus, the Romans were in control, and they would force the Jews to walk with them and carry burdens for them up to a mile. Abuse was everywhere, but Jesus called them to act differently. He called for defiance not to be expressed in anger, but to endure the humility for a time. Going the extra would show dignity and take away the power the other was trying to impose. It is less humiliating because it shows a strength that endures. To lash out and scream curses would only give the soldiers cause to inflict more harm. Our Lord calls us to be different. We don’t curse our enemies but pray for them. We don’t refuse to care for those who we don’t like, we give them more than what they ask for in our service. We are not called to exact revenge but to give mercy. God will handle it and make all things right in the end. Our witness may bring them to the One who offers true mercy and pours out His grace to change hearts of stone into hearts of flesh. In Him, we may find our peace.

Let us pray. I thank you, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, your dear Son, that you have kept me this night from all harm and danger, and I ask you to protect me this day also from sin and every evil, that in all I do today, I may please you. For into your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all that is mine. Let your holy angel watch over me, that the wicked foe have no power over me. Amen.