Above Rubies Daily Encouragement Blogs
RAISING A “YES , YES” AND “NO, NO” GENERATION, NO. 7 GOING THE SECOND MILE
In Matthew 5:38, 39 Jesus said: “Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: But I say unto you, that ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.”
Offering the second cheek is something that is most unnatural for the natural man. Giving the one who wants to take your coat your overcoat (cloak) as well is also something we may consider lunacy or crazy. Going the second mile when someone forces you to take them one mile is not what most people consider normal. Giving to those who ask you for help and lending to those who ask you and not turning away is also something the average financial adviser would definitely frown upon. Loving our enemies and blessing those who curse us definitely flies in the face of human wisdom.
Jesus said all these things belong to the children of God who do for others the same as their heavenly Father does for His enemies. All this is part of the “exceeding righteousness” (Matthew 5:20).
Men, this is the why we need to be filled with the Holy Spirit. This exceeding righteousness is far beyond the righteousness required by the law and can only be accomplished by a Spirit-filled life. When we are filled with the Holy Spirit we step out of natural righteousness into the miraculous righteousness which alone enables this to happen.
Be encouraged.
Colin Campbell
