Walking a Mile or Two

“If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles.” (Mt 5:41)


We all have needs. The demands of this life bear down on us some seasons more than others. When we are strong, the Lord will bring those who are weak to us. We will be asked to “walk” with them on part of their journey, to help our brother get strong.

One of the greatest hindrances to walking with our brother is found in the word “walk”. Our lives are busy, and we often “run” through them. If the Lord wants us to walk with a weaker brother, it takes time. However, the Lord will bring a season of slower pace just for that reason. All we have to do is be flexible and lay our busyness aside for a mile, or two.

Who would go the second mile with the weaker brother? Those who are generous with their time. This is a difficult thing to give, for those of us who are busy. Yet it can be the greatest and most necessary gift to give to those who are weak. When we spend time with people, we discover how to help them. When we do not spend the time, we give pat answers and thread-bare counsel.

People are individuals with unique needs. We find that each time he met a different person, Jesus healed them differently. He did not develop the assembly-line ministry where individuals were cut out of the same mold, like cookies from a cookie cutter. He treated people as if He had time to spend with them, attending to whatever their needs were. When Jairus, the synagogue leader, sent servants to ask Jesus to come heal his daughter, Jesus walked with them, and Jairus’ daughter was healed.

We are not asked to walk a mile with everyone who has a need. We cannot help every man who is weak. But we can walk a mile or two with one man at a time, in the seasons allotted. Short or long, God will slow our lives down for a mile, or two, if we are willing. Amen