We stopped at a snowmobile repair shop to check for parts to fix my brothers sled. Upon entering, a large German Shepherd approached us barking and snarling rather ferociously. I stuck out a closed fist so she could get a scent (fingers are lost when extended to an angry pooch). She relaxed and the owner came out.
He wasn’t an angry man, but wasn’t a stellar example of customer service either. He reminded me of the dozens of men I met growing up whenever my dad would take me to the auto parts store. If you needed it and they had it, you could buy it or leave. There wasn’t a lot of emotion involved.
He did have the kit we needed and charged $10.50 for it. After being handed $11, he asked for fifty cents so he wouldn’t have to make change. Upon receiving it, he deposited the entire $11.50 in his drawer rather than returning the dollar.
We realized this after walking out and the discussion turned to how rotten he was for “stealing” that dollar. We formulated a bizarre motive and series of calculated deceptions he made happen in order to rip us off. After a moment of vilifying the man, I said, “He’s not our enemy.” We all laughed as the entire production was pretty much said in jest.
The reality of how quick we can be to make an enemy at the slightest indiscretion didn’t pass me by.
As I read about Jesus going from town to town during His ministry, I learn of numerous interactions He had with as many different types of people. Those who could be perceived as enemies, He didn’t treat as such. He recognized those who were His enemies, but responded to them in very different ways than we would expect.
You’ve no doubt heard the phrase, “He never met a man he didn’t like.” Sometimes we can act as though we have never met a man we’ve liked.
You can pick apart anyone if you really want to.
Joel Stiff's Adventure 