This is where the Christian non-resistance key passage is found, its mandate in fact. Do you ever get the sense that we have wandered from God's intended teaching? Let's look at the source, and see what the boundaries are.

Jesus referred to the then-current Mosaic law, as God had given it to him back in Leviticus, when He says, "You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth,' But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person if someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other side also."

What jumps out at me is that Jesus is talking about inter-personal relationships, not international ones. As individuals we are not to fight with those that wrong us, but rather do good to them. This then, is the true non-resistance key concept.

If people take advantage of us, we are to let it go. If they have a need, we are to go out of our way to meet that need. If someone forces us to serve them, do some extra service out of kindness. Going the second mile comes right from this passage.

You see, Israel was occupied by the Roman army and a soldier could point at a citizen and demand he carry his army gear for one mile. After that he was suppose to commandeer someone else, I suppose. But Jesus advised going a second mile to show the soldier that you could volunteer for this despised duty.

Big tall Ben from our church once said, "If you find the way crowded, go the second mile; there's much less traffic there." It made me smile; people seldom volunteer to do more than asked.

But Jesus' new law for living directs us to do just that. Not to give anger back for anger, not to resent those who take from us, to go the extra distance when someone uses us, and to give to those who beg and want to borrow from us.