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Be Agreeable

Be Agreeable

By: Juliet Constantine

“And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.” (Matthew 5:40-42)


Jesus really wasn’t an exact guy. He really believed that we should go over and beyond the call of duty to maintain harmony. Now, no one will willingly allow himself/herself to be taken for a ‘ride’. In our litigious age, no innocent person will stand by and not defend himself/herself. We will not allow ourselves to be used – especially when we are certain of the other person’s true intention. We will defend ourselves with all we’ve got heralding the chorus ‘we will not be taken for a fool’.

So what did Jesus really mean when He taught that we are to do the opposite? Like the pharisees and scribes of His day, many of us (including myself) might join in a chorus response and shout, “Heck no!” It is our right to defend ourselves. Isn’t that stated in our constitution or laws of our land? Under force and duress, why should I comply with my opponent’s request? What did Jesus really mean by these words?

Under Roman occupation, the Jewish people were not free to do, or say as they pleased. The presence of the Roman troops reminded the Jews of their own humiliation as a people, and the Roman culture was offensive to them. To this, and more, the Jews would retaliate and suffer punishment greatly. They longed for revenge. They longed for their Messiah to come and show the Romans who was truly in charge.

Jesus’ response to the hurt, anger, resentment, and revenge in their faces and hearts toward their oppressors wasn’t a popular or welcomed one. It made Jesus sad to tell them something different than what they wanted to hear. What they heard was: “Do not resist. Go the extra mile. Go over and beyond the call of duty. Be agreeable. Respect authority.” Jesus only reiterated what they already knew, but the anger in their hearts tricked them into believing that they wanted otherwise.

In our world today, there are figures that will oppress and abuse you. Still Jesus’ instruction has not changed. Be agreeable. Go over and beyond the call of duty and comply - in the Lord. As long as you aren’t breaking any of God’s instructions, it is okay to surrender to authority and be agreeable.

We are reminded of the deliverance of the Judean boys, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah who refused to bow to King Nebuchadnezzar’s command to worship a false god. Even though God allowed them to go through this experience, they were not alone. He was right there with them to deliver them.

So will He be with you as you face your challenges. Remember that He’s working it out for your good. Just trust Him and be agreeable. Don’t be afraid to go over and beyond the call of duty. In spite of your oppression: bite your tongue, count to ten, press your big toe in the earth – just hold your peace and don’t fight back. Be agreeable. God will see you through. He will work it out for your good.

O righteous, heavenly Father, please help me to be like Jesus who held His peace and didn’t fight back. He could’ve defended Himself in light of all the abuse He suffered, but He bore it for the greater good. Thank You for His resolve. Please strengthen me in the face of challenges and discouragement, I pray, in Jesus’ name, amen.

Copyrighted by Juliet Constantine 2014 (for “Alone With God – Finding Jesus In The Scriptures” Daily Devotional)

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