Resources/Articles
Suffering & Going The Second Mile
I tell you not to resist an evil person.
But whoever slaps you on your right cheek,
turn the other to him also.
Matthew 5:39
The natural response to being hit is to hit back. Sometimes those who do not hit back are often considered cowards. In the spiritual realm, the very evidence of the Son of God in a disciple is if he does not hit back. When you are insulted, you must make it an opportunity to exhibit the Son of God in your life. A personal insult becomes an opportunity for a saint to reveal the image of the Lord Jesus.
On the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus did not teach “stand up for your rights.” He taught to go the second mile or turn the other cheek. Jesus said if we are HIs disciples, we will always do these things. The second miles is not a resignation to the attitude, “Oh well, I just need to learn a big lesson. I’ll take my lumps.” We should consider what Romans 12:17-21 says and go the next level of service - feed, give him drink, and pray for those who have insulted us. This is the “second mile.”
Every time I insist on having my own rights, I hurt the Son of God. My honor is not at stake here; it is the honor of the Lord. If righteousness is not expressed toward you by others, never refuse to be righteous yourself. We may be looking for justice, but the essence of the teaching here is: never cease to give mercy and to show good works.
