I swear, sometimes I think that Oswald Chambers wrote these words just for me.
Suffering Afflictions and Going the Second Mile
By Oswald Chambers
I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. —Matthew 5:39
This verse reveals the humiliation of being a Christian. In the natural realm, if a person does not hit back, it is because he is a coward. But in the spiritual realm, it is the very evidence of the Son of God in him if he does not hit back. When you are insulted, you must not only not resent it, but you must make it an opportunity to exhibit the Son of God in your life. And you cannot imitate the nature of Jesus— it is either in you or it is not. A personal insult becomes an opportunity for a saint to reveal the incredible sweetness of the Lord Jesus.
The teaching of the Sermon on the Mount is not, “Do your duty,” but is, in effect, “Do what is not your duty.” It is not your duty to go the second mile, or to turn the other cheek, but Jesus said that if we are His disciples, we will always do these things. We will not say, “Oh well, I just can’t do any more, and I’ve been so misrepresented and misunderstood.” Every time I insist on having my own rights, I hurt the Son of God, while in fact I can prevent Jesus from being hurt if I will take the blow myself. That is the real meaning of filling “up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ…” (Colossians 1:24). A disciple realizes that it is his Lord’s honor that is at stake in his life, not his own honor.
Never look for righteousness in the other person, but never cease to be righteous yourself. We are always looking for justice, yet the essence of the teaching of the Sermon on the Mount is— Never look for justice, but never cease to give it.
My Life in Our Father's World 
“Every time I insist on getting my own rights I hurt the Son of God.”
“The spirit of Jesus is either in me or it is not.”
“Never look for justice, but never cease to give it.”
Chambers gives his listeners/readers little wiggle room. We are either following the Spirit of Jesus or we are not. There is no middle ground.
Thanks, Barb. God Bless!
LikeLiked by 3 people
That’s why I love reading his work.
I sometimes get it trouble for speaking truth. But that’s OK with me.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Doing what is not my duty – what a thought! That sounds like the love of Christ to me!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Agreed
LikeLike
Just to be the devil’s advocate … when does it become meddling?
(Asking for a friend)
LikeLiked by 1 person
My personal opinion is that opportunities in the will of God hit us right in the face like the Samaritan finding the man on the road he was taking. He had a simple choice – do what he didn’t need to do – or roll up his sleeves and help. Where we get off track is diving in someone else’s business on a whim when they don’t want our help. Knowing the difference is the wisdom Saint Francis prayed for so many years ago. Hope that helps. Blessings
LikeLiked by 2 people
Good question. God is probably better equipped to answer that question than me 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
“When you are insulted, you must not only not resent it, but you must make it an opportunity to exhibit the Son of God in your life.” Wow–that’s convicting. Sure I can show Jesus, but at times, I tend to hold onto those hurts. Thanks for posting these life-impacting reminders.
LikeLiked by 3 people
My pleasure
LikeLike
Sometimes, just as I’m about to react, the thought hits me, “You were praying for an opportunity to show Christ to someone today. Here it is.” And instead of getting mad or pouty, I end up thanking God for giving me a chance to display patience.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I definitely need to do that more often
LikeLiked by 1 person
Indeed it does go against our natural tendencies but that’s why from this perspective, opportunities abound…n isn’t that sweet!
LikeLiked by 1 person