Lessons from Enemy Love - Story

There was a moment in my life that truly embodied the call to practice Enemy Love, one that still stirs my heart today. I remember sitting at a crowded coffee shop, absorbed in my work, when I overheard a heated exchange between a barista and a frustrated customer. The customer, visibly agitated, unleashed a torrent of harsh words, blaming the barista for a mistake that seemed trivial in the grand scheme of life—a forgotten almond milk in their latte.

To my surprise, the barista, rather than responding with defensiveness or anger, took a deep breath and spoke softly, “I’m sorry for the oversight. Thank you for your patience; it’s been a tough day.” In that moment, I witnessed an extraordinary act of Enemy Love. She chose compassion over conflict, embodying the spirit of hesed—steadfast love and kindness, even towards someone who was treating her with disdain.

As I reflected on this scene, I couldn’t help but think of Luke 4:18-19, where Jesus declares His mission to bring good news to the poor, freedom to the captives, and sight to the blind. That barista’s response was a small yet powerful echo of this mission. In a world that often seems divided and angry, she reminded me that the transformative power of love can break down barriers and heal wounds.

Her act of compassion offered not only a glimpse of God’s kingdom but also a living testament to the call upon our lives as progressive Christians. We are invited to step into the complexities of our times with wisdom, compassion, and a fierce commitment to justice. Each act of Enemy Love—however small—serves as a thread in the tapestry of God’s redemptive work, reminding us that we can be instruments of change in a fractured world.