Tit for Tat No 2

"And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two."              Matthew 5:41.  NKJV

Let's have a closer look at the word, 'Compel.' It comes from the Greek word angarevo. It's a verb derived form the Persian, where it described a courier with the authority to force people into some type of public service. It evolved in the Old Testament times but later carried over into the New Testament. 

Palestine was an occupied country by this time, under Roman rule. Therefore, anyone could be compelled to give food, lodgings, horses or serve themselves when ordered. Roman officials and soldiers had this privilege and could compel someone at a minutes notice. A good example of this, was Simon of Cyrene. He was compelled to carry Jesus' cross to the site of His crucifixion.
It is interesting to note here, in this age of rising racial discrimination, that Simon was a black man from North East Africa and many who witnessed this, may have considered this act, from the black African, an honour.

All over the world where there are conflicts, people come under compulsion to do things that they do not wish to do. Jesus spoke of this in this passage, (Matthew 5:38-42) urging people not to retaliate or even resent people's actions; but rather carry out what is asked of them with a cheerfulness and attitude of love.

Think back over the years. Have you ever been compelled to do something you didn't wish to do? Have you felt resentment? Have you wanted to retaliate or actually, have retaliated? 
Have you put it right? Have you asked God to forgive you your acts of resentment and retaliation and forgiven the people who caused them? 

What about now? Do you feel resentment towards someone? Perhaps someone may have beaten you to a job that you were hoping to get, and you resent them for it. Let's break it down to a very basic level. How do you feel when you have been ages trying to park your car and just as you find a space, someone shoots in there first? Resentment? Retaliation?

Or perhaps, there's a dress or shirt you've had your eye on. It's your size and the only one left. Suddenly, someone beats you to it and carries it off. Do you resent them? Do you want to follow them them around the store and feel like you want to mug them? Wrong feelings!

As hard as it may be at times, Jesus' word to us is to love people, not resent their acts or retaliate. (Matthew 5:43-48

Copyright 2019 Grahame Howard

dailylifewithjesus@protonmail.com