Go the Second Mile
38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’[f] 39 But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. 40 If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also. 41 And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. 42 Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away.
So my question is.....what will it profit if you don't resist the evil person.....if you give your enemy more than he expects, what good does it do to you?
I mean I can go along with loving the enemy by giving him what he asks....but giving him more than he asks...IT BLOWS MY MIND.!!!!
HElp!!!
2007-01-25 22:19:08 · 18 answers · asked by Philadelphia 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Ok the part about going the second mile first.. This is quite simple. During this time period the Jewish people were occupied by the Romans. It was law at the time that if a roman soldier had a "bag" of some sort, if asked you would be recquired to carry it for a mile.... However, going the extra mile is what makes us different from the world.. How are we going to be a light to the world.. Does sharing the good news work??? Rarely!! Just look at how many Atheists have been converted on yahoo answers.. I have seen any... Its living a life that is different that matters.. If we are no diffirent then why would any one become a christian??
2007-01-25 22:56:58 · answer #1 · answered by caleb d 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Peace!
The passage should not be taken literally.
We read this in the Bible because in the world at that time it was a wholesome maxim (Deuteronomy 19, 18-21). It claimed to put a limit to the thirst for vengeance and reminded judges and the community itself of the duty to defend its members against those who abuse the weak.
Offer the other cheek: be the first to be free of the web of violence. As in judo, surprise the other by making the move he wasn't expecting: he may then see that he was mistaken. Jesus has no doubt that this renunciation of violence and of our own interests obliges the Father to intervene and come to our aid. Don't forget that Jesus wants us to "see God' at work in our lives.
If someone forces you to go one mile: Jesus speaks to a people working the land, farmers who are humiliated and oppressed by foreign armies.Their usual reaction is resigned submission concealing hatred and desire for revenge. Would they be capable of responding to such counsel? But it is certain that if they had practiced it, they would have saved their nation from destruction a few years later.
God bless.
2007-01-25 22:51:18 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
As well it should.God is our help,Jesus was wanting us to realize 2 times is what is required by God from us to give anyone a chance to see themselves and repent from the wrong they do.
This isn't hard to understand if you accept the word of God,we are the light and when we go into a dark room or around people that are dark we give light and they know it.Just because they know it doesn't make them right in heart so they do to us what they do to others,then when we have done what God would have us do(go 2 times) and then get out of God's way,(going 2 times is all Jesus says)when they have gone the 3rd time,God judges whoever.This is one reason why so much crime and disrespect to humanity abounds,Satan fools the children of God into not realizing the power Jesus bestowed on us.
I could go on and on about this subject but hope this helped.
2007-01-25 22:34:54 · answer #3 · answered by jackiedj8952 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It means they want you to ingrain a spirit of unquestioning self-depreciation into your life, to the point that if you let your enemies have whatever they want and more, you will give your "friends" (the church) even more without question, resulting in a fatter wallet for the head honcho of your church. Forget that....if your enemy slaps your cheek, knock him the "f" out and he will never hurt anyone else again, and will learn a little humility.
2007-01-25 22:35:05 · answer #4 · answered by Doc 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
1 Corinthians 6:7.
Christians can't act like the world and expect others to want to be Christians. The world acts in the manor that you suggested. Think about it, if you were to get robbed and the robber asks for your shoes....What do you think he will do when you ask him if he/she wants your jacket or hat or shirt as well. Here Mr.Robber you can have this as well. You obviously need it more than I do. First, Lets pray about it, or ask God to forigive you for what you are doing to me right now. Ask the robber, Do you know Jesus. If you don't, Let me introduce you to him. Tell the robber that, God forgives you for what you are doing.....
Give the robber more than he or she wants and you will blow their mind just as this teachings has blown yours. Is this hard for us in the selfish world? Sure! But Jesus does not ask us to do that which is easy, but Jesus does not ask us to do something that he has not given us the ability to do either.
Matt
2007-01-25 22:34:25 · answer #5 · answered by ? 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It doesnt virtually mean, if he hits you in the face, to let him hit the other side too. It means, if evil is done to you, you should forgive him, as you shall receive forgiveness from god. Give and show him love and treat him like you would treat yourself, instead of giving revenge and hatred to others. In Matthew Jesus says to basically dont do upon others, what you would not want to be done upon you.
So always give love and respect to others, so in the long run, you shall receive the same!
2007-01-25 22:30:25 · answer #6 · answered by Slider 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Very good question. I think by saying these things it means to not give in. Let them know they can take away from you and hurt you but you are still there and are still standing. You can take my possions but you cannot have me. I will not day for i will be blessed with it again. You want to go a mile i will go two so there. Slap me go ahead and do it to the other side for you do not phase me. That's my interpretation.
2007-01-25 22:28:50 · answer #7 · answered by wombizzle 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Yes. If you act that way you put your enemies to shame and in turn show them that you are better than the others, on top of all that you get mercy from God for being merciful with your enemies.
2007-01-25 22:36:52 · answer #8 · answered by Fufu 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Jesus is showing us that if we truly love him we will be an example to the lost. If we want to show others the depth of Christs love and his devotion by being his witnesses we are to go above what someone needs for us to help him/her find the way to the Lord.
2007-01-25 22:34:40 · answer #9 · answered by Only hell mama ever raised 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
don't believe everything you read some guy wrote this a long time ago and people can interpret the bible in so many ways you don't have to be perfect just be you I,m sure that is great in gods eyes
2007-01-25 22:31:22 · answer #10 · answered by lorie v 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋