It’s A Heart Issue, Part 17, Matthew 5:40-42

Matthew 5:40-42 (NKJV): If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also. And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away.

Jesus instructed that we are to go above and beyond in any situation that we maybe forced in.

First, He talked about when someone takes us to court. Here He was using the example of having one’s tunic taken away. Why would this happen? Because it was something that was used for trading value. His Instruction was that if you were going to be sued for your tunic, because you owed money, give your cloak as well.

The second example He used was if one was compelled to go a mile with someone to go 2 miles instead. During this time, the Roman Soldiers would force people to carry their supplies and equipment. If you were forced to do so, you had to carry it for a mile. Jesus said to carry it 2 miles if this happened.

In both of these examples, He was exhorting everyone that it is better to show love and kindness during times of persecution and/or trials caused by others. He was saying that rather than fight over something as minute as tunics and cloaks, although they were used to keep one warm and may be the only ones you have, or to fight over being forced to carry stuff for a soldier, rather show love. This may give one an opportunity to share with the one coming against them.

In the last one, He is saying that it is better to share with someone than not to. If someone needs to borrow a tool or something to accomplish a job, then allow them to borrow it. This will show them Love by you wanting to help them to accomplish a task they need to do.

If we study this part of the passage, it should make us ponder that we have more of an opportunity to share The Love of Christ if we show Love rather than putting up a fight. It gives an open door to us to show the other person that there is something much more better and valuable than the stuff they are holding value to. It could possibly lead them to want to know Jesus and have their lives changed as well.

Is there a better way or form of discipleship than to show love to someone that hinders us? Think about it.