The Extra Mile

THE EXTRA MILE

Matthew 5:41

“If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles.”

Elementary school kids played softball against middle school in a game to raise money for charity. Fifth grader Brad faced Walt, a seventh grader who beat him up last May. (See Fire! A Story of Grace eBook that’s available on www.biblestudyforkids.com).

“Hey Brad, toss me the ball!” Walt said.

Brad recognized Walt as one who attacked him. “Grr,” Brad mumbled. Jesus’ words from the opening Scripture flashed into his mind. He decided to go the extra mile. Picking up the softball, Brad tossed it to Walt. He warned, “Be ready when I’m at bat!”

Teasing people is part of friendly sports banter. Brad enjoys competing in any sport. Facing Walt’s team spiked Brad’s desire to win today. Preparing to play on a higher level, Brad didn’t forget “the golden rule” of fair play and good sportsmanship. That is Brad’s secret of victorious living through faith in Christ. Brad treats others the way he’d like to be treated—even Walt, who beat him up.

Brad learned that God loves all people, not just him. He chooses to grow beyond, get past his hurt the moment he forgives people. Brad tries to go “the extra mile” when helping or serving someone. As a result, Brad grows spiritually through every trouble in life. Jesus strengthens Brad to conquer every problem.

Life trials are not the enemy. Life troubles offer opportunities to grow up. We all can try to be like Brad. Whatever batters us on the outside builds us up in the inside—when we believe in and trust Jesus. Troubles do not defeat us. We rise up stronger and taller than before, able to go the extra mile. “Thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:57).

Think about flowers in a rain storm. Their sorry faces look so sad. All bent down, flowers look defeated. But rain isn’t the enemy. Rain nourishes the soil that nourishes plants. In the sunshine, the flowers perk up tall and bright.

People smile when presented a bouquet of flowers. They smell their fragrance, and smile some more. Displayed flowers greet other people with a smile. God’s creation serves God. Even flowers go the extra mile!

Take Home Nugget

At Brad’s turn to bat, he saw Walt playing center field. Brad hit a line drive between center and left fields, and ran safely to second base. He turned and smiled at Walt, who just grinned.

Lord, use whatever storms batter me on the outside to grow and strengthen me on the inside. Help me to stand tall and go the extra mile for others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

J.D. Griffith

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