Will You Go The Second Mile For Your Enemy?

"Confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I ask." Philemon 21

"And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you." Matthew 5:40-42

When we were still attending First Filipino Baptist in Toronto, I had the desire to put together a group that will be called "The Second Miler". This group was supposed to be the ones to help and take care of the needs of the people in the church in a more practical way. But like a million ideas, it went nowhere for lack of follow-through on my part. It should have made a big difference in the church then. The church would be a real caring community when there are people who would:
1. always be there to help somebody move.
2. always ready to help when someone is in a bind.
3. always there to greet a visitor, make him feel at home in the church and even ask them to have lunch at their home after church. I have actually asked some people in our church to cook extra in case there is a visitor to take home for lunch.
4. always willing to take people around when they have just arrived in the country. I have taken countless people to Niagara Falls in the past years even in the middle of winter.

It is one thing to do good to people whom you have no problem with, but it is another when you are expected to do good to people who treated you badly in the past. In short, your enemies.

Loving your enemies. This is a concept that is hard to swallow. I once led a Bible study among the seniors where the discussion was about forgiving those who offended us. One of them emphatically declared that she will not forgive someone who will repeatedly hurt her. To which I gently answered back that in doing this, she is not disobeying me but God.

The Bible incredibly teaches us that to forgive is not enough for a Christian. In the case of Philemon, Paul asked him to "welcome him (Onesimus) as you would welcome me". How would Philemon welcome Paul? With great care and sacrifice. Paul being Philemon's spiritual father, I am sure will not sleep in the barn but in the best room in the house even if it is his own bedroom. He will kill the fatted calf for Paul and only the best wine. . . . yes, they drunk real wine then. Only the best for Paul, Philemon would say.

But in spite of this request being too great for someone who will not only forgive but also receive his enemy like he was receiving his best friend, Paul expected from Philemon even beyond that. Incredible! But it is true. This is the true mark of a heart-changed Christian. How can he do it, you may ask?

By faith in Christ alone and by learning to love the saints as we learn from our Lord Himself. On top of all of these is the grace of God that He lavishly give to those who are obedient to His will.

Imagine this happening in our churches. It should be like heaven, don't you think? So the next time I ask you for a gift . . . . go the second mile and buy me a dinner too. Be blessed.