Give Without Counting the Cost

“Should anyone press you into service for one mile, go with him for two miles." Matthew 5:41

The US military bestows the Medal of Honor to any member of the United States armed forces who distinguishes himself "conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States." One awardee was asked to defend an indefensible position, and he did so with no complaints. He died with his body draped over his machine gun.

We too are soldiers in a battlefield. We may not see the enemy clearly as they are not in uniform just as we are not in uniform. But we are given orders by our supreme commander. One of those commands is about serving one another. We should serve with our heart so that we can really go above and beyond the call of duty. Go the extra mile. Give without counting the cost. Our commander can be quite exacting, but He did give the best example. He gave His very life on the cross so that we could learn to love as He loves.

Although this is one of the most difficult prayers, Lord, I ask that You teach me to love and serve as You love and serve. Help me to know how and when to help. Even when it is painful. Amen.