Go The Extra Mile

Going the extra mile - Jesus actually used this phrase in His teachings, and it challenges us to live with a heart that’s willing to do more than what’s required. Whether it’s in our relationships, our work, or our faith, going the extra mile can make all the difference.

Did you know it actually comes from the words of Jesus? In Matthew 5:41, Jesus says, “If a soldier demands that you carry his gear for a mile, carry it two miles.”

Now, that may sound strange to us today, but in Jesus’ time, Roman soldiers could legally force anyone to carry their gear for a mile. It was an unjust law, and most people would have done the bare minimum to comply. But Jesus turned that idea upside down. He said, “Don’t just do what’s required—go beyond that. Do more than what’s asked of you.”

This teaching wasn’t just about physical labor. It was about the heart. Jesus was calling His followers to live with a spirit of generosity, grace, and love, even in difficult circumstances. When we go the extra mile, we show kindness, patience, and forgiveness in ways that reflect the heart of Christ.

Think about how that can apply to our lives today. Maybe it’s at work, where you could do more than what’s required to help a coworker. Or in your family, where you take an extra step to show love and care to a loved one who’s struggling. It’s those moments when we choose to go beyond what’s expected that God can really shine through us.

So, let’s be challenged to live like Jesus and embrace the opportunity to go the extra mile, not just for others, but for Him.

Going the extra mile is something Jesus called us to do in our relationships and in life. I want to look at how going the extra mile plays out in our relationships.

Relationships, whether they’re with family, friends, coworkers, or even strangers, are one of the best places to practice this principle. Sometimes, it’s easy to do what’s expected, and no more. But think about what happens when we go beyond that—when we choose to show extra patience, give extra time, or offer extra grace.

In Ephesians 4:2-3, Paul writes, “Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.” This passage encourages us to make the effort—to go the extra mile in how we treat others, even when it’s hard. Maybe it’s staying calm and kind during a difficult conversation or offering forgiveness when someone has wronged you. Maybe it’s stepping in to help someone without being asked or offering a word of encouragement when it’s needed most. These little acts of going the extra mile can transform our relationships and reflect the love of Christ.

It’s easy to be good to people when they’re good to us, but when we go the extra mile for those who might not deserve it, that’s when we truly reflect God’s love. Just think of how much more connected, peaceful, and loving our world would be if everyone took that extra step for each other!

We’ve looked at how it applies to our relationships and how it can make a real difference in our world. Now, I want to talk about going the extra mile for God.

We know that God has done everything for us—He’s given us His Son, His grace, His love. But how often do we go the extra mile for Him? Sometimes, we do the minimum in our relationship with God—praying when we remember, reading the Bible when it’s convenient, or serving when it fits into our schedule. But what if we approached our relationship with God with the mindset of going the extra mile?

In Colossians 3:23-24, we read, “Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ.” This verse challenges us to give our best in everything we do—not just for others, but for God.

Maybe it’s spending extra time in prayer, not out of obligation, but because you want to grow closer to Him. Maybe it’s stepping up to serve in your church or community in a way that stretches you beyond your comfort zone. Or perhaps it’s simply choosing to go the extra mile in how you live out your faith—showing love, kindness, and patience to others because that’s what God has called you to do.

When we go the extra mile for God, we experience a deeper relationship with Him and a greater sense of purpose. It’s in those moments of going beyond what’s required that we grow in our faith and discover more of His love and grace.

I hope this conversation about going the extra mile has inspired you to live with generosity, grace, and a heart willing to do more than what’s required. Those extra steps we take can make a huge difference in the lives of others and in our own spiritual growth.