Love Chapel Hill

Sermon Notes:

Series: Influencer

August 16, 2026 "The Extra Mile"

By: Pastor Joel Philbrook

Consider this...

Following Jesus in the first mile is often unavoidable; it’s the mile we’re forced to walk, the mile we didn’t choose, the mile shaped by someone else’s power, pressure, or unfairness. But the second mile? That’s where the Kingdom shows up. The second mile is where dignity is reclaimed, peace is restored, and love becomes louder than retaliation. It’s the mile where we stop mirroring the hurt done to us and start mirroring the heart of Jesus.

The extra mile doesn’t ignore injustice; it transforms it. It doesn’t pretend the first mile wasn’t painful; it simply refuses to let pain decide the outcome. When we choose kindness over insult, blessing over blame, prayer over bitterness, and generosity over revenge, we become the “salt” Jesus spoke of, adding flavor, healing, and hope to moments that would otherwise taste bitter. The world notices when we walk the second mile. And more importantly, God uses it.

John 13
mark 5
Reflection & Prayer:
Pray this prayer to start your day:
"“God, who have you called me to love this week? Make me available to the interruptions, inconveniences and opportunities to express humility that I would otherwise miss.”
The Bible Project: Guide to the Holy Spirit
-Where in your life right now are you walking a “first mile” you didn’t choose, and what would it look like to add dignity, peace, or love in the second mile?

-Who is the person who triggers your instinct to retaliate, and what is one small, surprising act of kindness you could offer instead?

-What would change in your relationships, workplace, or home if you valued peace more than being right, winning, or getting even?

What's Coming Next in our teaching series called "Influencer"

We all want to make a difference with our lives. In an age of social media and endless content, the word "influencer" has become a goal, yet it often leaves us feeling overwhelmed and unseen. But what if we've been looking at influence all wrong? Jesus changed the world without a podcast or a social media account. He didn't have a large platform or a political title. Instead, He redefined the very measure of success by making a difference—not just making a point—and He did it one person at a time.

This series challenges our modern definition of influence by exploring the revolutionary model of Jesus. We'll see how He changed the world through simple, personal moments: one conversation, one meal, and one interruption at a time. His legacy teaches us that true influence moves from small to big, not the other way around. This series will equip us to follow His example and find purpose in the small ways we can impact those around us, proving that the most lasting influence is not built on a platform but on a person.

Join us for...

Week 1: 7/26 "It Starts With One" John 4 by Pastor Joel Philbrook
Week 2: 8/2 "Proximity of Love" John 13:34-35 by Caroline Carpenter
Week 3: 8/9 "The Model of Influence" Luke 21:1-4 by Pastor Joel
Week 4: 8/16 "The Extra Mile" Matthew 5:38-42 by Pastor Joel Philbrook
Week 5: 8/23 "AND" Luke 11-16 by Pastor Joel Philbrook

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Reflection & Prayer:

Pray this prayer to start your day:"“God, who have you called me to love this week? Make me available to the interruptions, inconveniences and opportunities to express humility that I would otherwise miss.”

Pray this prayer to start your day:
"“God, who have you called me to love this week? Make me available to the interruptions, inconveniences and opportunities to express humility that I would otherwise miss.”