Unfortunately, we need no extra encouragement to get even. We think we are entitled. We have to make sure that others do not get away with attacking us. Jesus calls this all into question when he tells us to turn the other cheek and go the second mile. He knows that someone needs to look out for us and take action to protect us, but it is not to be us. The heavenly Father said he would take care of the score. This says the Lord: It is mine to avenge; I will repay. In due time their foot will slip (Deuteronomy 32:25).

But will God really take care of me? Will God avenge me on my enemies? Take a step back and see what this is really about. It is not about you and those who have done you harm. It is about you and your heavenly Father. Your Father is not a disinterested bystander. He said he would take care of you. Do you trust your Father? Or will you be looking over his shoulder to make sure he will do it right? If God is your Father, why will you act like an orphan and try to take care of it yourself?

If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. This is not talking about a boxing match, but an insult. This smack on the cheek (or spit in the face, or verbal insult) is meant to hurt your pride and honor, not bruise your face. What Jesus says is this: don’t rise to the bait. Don’t respond in kind. Let them know that you are secure. Someone is watching out for you so you are not worried one bit. How different is that from demanding an eye for an eye? How much confidence in the Lord do you display when you turn the other cheek?

If someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. Don’t you think God will take care of you? Are you going to let a small material thing get in the way of your relationship between you and your neighbor, or between you and God? Bigger things are harder to let go, but here Jesus is speaking to us. What makes it a little thing? We can laugh about it and let it go. What makes something big? We can’t let it go. The extent of your faith is shown by what you trust God to take care of and what you reserve for yourself. Are you going to accept his care as a child of God or will you act like an orphan who has to scratch to get by? It really is about faith in the Father. The Father will take care of your reputation; the Father will take care of you.

Others impose on us and make us carry things for a mile. Jesus tells us to continue to give beyond what is demanded. He wants us to go beyond what is required of us in helping other people. He wants us to be second milers. This is not because we are really strong and can take it. It is not because we are more good and noble than others. It is because, no matter whom we work for or whom we serve, it is really our Lord that we work for and we serve. We do this because we love the Lord and our Lord Jesus wants us to do it.

I have a friend who is in the middle of several very important and time consuming projects. One of them has not been fun for him at all, but he has faithfully stuck to the task. I told him how much I appreciated all he did, especially when it got real difficult and when others were not pulling as much of the load. He told me this. "I’m not doing this because people will see me and give me an attaboy. I’m not even doing it just for the cause (which is a good cause). I’m doing this for the Lord. I feel he wants me to do it, so it is not a matter of slacking off and letting someone else down. It is a matter of serving the Lord who always sees and who takes care of me." It is also a matter of confidence that what you do is indeed the good works God has prepared in advance for you to do.

If you are a second miler, don’t expect a lot of attaboys from people. You may get some and they are nice. But you are really going the second mile, not for your reputation, not even for the person you help, but for the Lord. You can forego looking out for yourself because you trust the Lord will look out for you. You will be free to act because you know of God’s unconditional love for you in Christ.