A YOUNG man was asked to paint the boat of a wealthy man, based on a quote he gave for the job.
While painting, he discovered a hole in the ship’s hull and quietly fixed it.
After completing the painting, the young man received the money for the job and left.
The next day, the boat owner arrived at the young man’s home and handed him a cheque for a very substantial amount.
“But you’ve already paid me for painting the boat, sir,” said the surprised young man.
“This isn’t for the paint job; it’s for repairing the hull of the boat,” replied the man.
“Sir, that was such a small service, certainly not worth this amount of money,” said the young man.
“My dear boy, you don’t understand the significance of your act.
“I forgot to mention the hole when I asked you to paint the boat.
“When you completed the painting, my children took the boat on a fishing trip once the paint dried.
“They were unaware of there being a hole. I was not home at that time.
“When I returned and discovered my children had taken the boat, I was distressed because I remembered the hole.
“I tried to call but couldn’t reach them. Imagine my delight when they returned safely from their fishing trip.
“I examined the boat and discovered you had repaired the hole. You see, now, what you did? You protected my children’s lives.
“I don’t have enough money to repay for your thoughtful act.”
Going the extra mile is a firm commitment and willingness to do more than one is required to do.
Jesus teaches in Matthew 5:41: “Should anyone press you into service for one mile, go with him for two miles”
When Jesus spoke these words, the country was under Roman occupation, and the law allowed Roman soldiers to compel Jewish civilians to carry their luggage or heavy armour for one Roman mile – about 1.45 kilometres.
After carrying the luggage for one mile, the unlucky civilian could legally drop the load and refuse to carry it further.
Jesus was alluding to this Roman practice.
It happened with Jesus when the Romans forced him to carry the cross to Golgotha.
When Jesus faltered, the Roman soldiers compelled an innocent bystander, Simon of Cyrene, to finish the journey.
Obviously, we’re not compelled to carry a soldier’s armour for a kilometre or two today. So, how does Jesus’ teaching apply to us?
When we do more than expected. we may prove ourselves to be good friends and neighbours, or we may establish ourselves in the workplace as valuable employees.
Yet, what going the extra mile calls for does not go far enough.
It does not fulfill the standard Jesus established.
What Jesus asks of us is not for the benefit of the other, rather it is about the heart of the one “carrying the load.”
Chances are we have at some stage of our lives, said or done something hurtful to another.
The extra mile is about taking steps to rectify the harm done.
When we do this, our load becomes easier and the burden lighter as we not only forgive but help others to forgive us.
If we harbour anger, resentment, or bitterness in our hearts towards another who may have hurt us, we go the extra mile by letting go of those emotions and choosing to make peace with those who unjustly hurt us – just as Jesus did by forgiving those in the very act of nailing him to the cross.
Jesus also teaches us to love our enemies (Matthew 5:44).
Not an easy ask, as it often requires personal sacrifice.
Fill your soul with love, rather than anger and many things will change in your life. Forgiveness is a choice that leads to freedom and restoration.
It is the most healing thing you can do.
Internationally acclaimed author, Dr Wayne Dyer said, “Forgiveness is really an act of letting go, releasing the anger, the hatred, the bitterness, the thoughts of revenge that we have been carrying around.”
Forgiveness is a powerful gift that can heal wounds and restore broken relationships. Forgiveness has transformative power.
As Christians, we are called to forgive, just as our Heavenly Father forgives us.
The Apostle Paul encourages: “All bitterness, fury, anger, shouting, and reliving must be removed from you, along with all malice. (And) be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving one another as God has forgiven you in Christ” (Ephesians 4:31-32).
You may have repaired many “boat holes” on your life journey even without realising how many lives you may have impacted.
Similarly, many may have fixed holes in your boat without realising it.
So, be grateful and keep being kind, thoughtful and forgiving.
How do you go the extra mile in your life?
Cherish the moment and treasure life.
