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Extra mile for the sake of the gospel – Part 2

By Chidi Okoroafor
19 January 2020   |   3:34 am
Jesus calls for the extra mile in believers in Christ. We are called to be “2nd Milers” for the sake of the Gospel. During the time of Christ, the Roman Empire was in control. Any Jew could be compelled to serve a Roman soldier or official by carrying a burden or load. Roman law required…

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Jesus calls for the extra mile in believers in Christ. We are called to be “2nd Milers” for the sake of the Gospel.

During the time of Christ, the Roman Empire was in control. Any Jew could be compelled to serve a Roman soldier or official by carrying a burden or load. Roman law required them to comply and go 1000 paces (a Roman mile). After that, they could go about their own business. But Jesus taught that although they had a right to stop at one mile, they could choose to go on farther and do more than what was required of them. How far are you willing to go for the sake of Christ?

Wanted! Wanted!! Wanted!!! Men and women who will go the extra mile for the Gospel. God is looking for people who will not just go a mile, but a second mile for the sake of the Christ and people who will commit themselves to extended service for the Kingdom expansion.

Jesus’ standard is the “extra mile” standard. Jesus said in Matthew 5:39 that if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. Believers in Christ are not only regulated by the Human Rights Law defining their rights, but also by the Higher Law which is the Bible. We are not to take it upon ourselves to retaliate when insulted; we are to use that as an opportunity to witness to others about Jesus.

You need to go the extra mile in forgiveness. Beloved, I urge you not to travel heavy with that baggage of unforgiveness. Please, I encourage you to drop it, so that you can travel light. Jesus taught that we should always exhibit a spirit of forgiveness. Peter came to Jesus and asked Him, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Jesus responded, until seventy times seven (Mathew 18:21-22).

Forgiveness is having a right to retaliate because of wrongs done against us but choosing to yield our rights to Christ. Ephesians 4:32 said, “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” You need to forgive your colleague in the office; your wife for that bitter offence; your friend that betrayed you; your neighbour that stabbed you in the back and a fellow brother in Christ for that disappointment.

To forgive is a command and not a suggestion. The Bible commands us to forgive one another. This command applies to every believer and every situation we may find ourselves in. Forgiveness will pave the way for our witness and ministry. Would it not be positive for us to be known as one who went ‘overboard’ in forgiving others for Christ’s sake?

You need to go the extra mile in Kingdom service. God deserves and needs our commitment to Kingdom service. You need to get more committed than ever for the sake of Christ. We should commit ourselves to evangelism, good works, service to humanity, edifying of the saints, encouraging one another, loving one another, bearing the yoke of one another and loving God more than ever.

Are you ready to submit to inconvenience or unreasonable demands for the sake of the Gospel? Simon Cyrene had no choice, but to carry the cross. Extra mile will not be an enjoyable trip unless we do it for the Lord. The extra mile is a road travelled by “2nd Milers for Christ.”

• Today’s Nugget: Extra mile is a road only travelled by “2nd Milers for Christ”.
Prayer: Lord, help me to go extra mile for Christ.
Dr. Chidi Okoroafor, General Superintendent, Assemblies of God Nigeria
Prayer lines: 09078154261. E-mail: aggospelbell@gmail.com

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