ADDEDSOULS PODCAST s1e32

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“Friend vs. Frenemy”

In today’s social media culture. We find ourselves at times with thousands of “friends.” For instance, on Facebook one can accumulate all sorts of “friends.”

In school if one becomes “popular” he or she can find themselves with all sorts of “friends.”

At work if one becomes “popular” he or she can find themselves with all sorts of “friends.”

But are all these “friends” truly living up to the Bible description of “friendship?”

A friend is always mindful of your needs. He or she will always make sure you are taken care of (i.e. food, shelter, clothing) - Luke 11:5-8.

A frenemy is always mindful of his or her selfish and greedy wants. He or she will make sure your needs are not taken care of in order to have what he or she wants.

A friend is always making sure you are spiritually faithful. Looking out for your spiritual wellbeing.

A frenemy is always making sure you are tempted to sin. He or she will create obstacles for you. Will seek to lure you into vain religion.

A friend will take your defence when you are not around.

A frenemy will take the opportunity to gossip behind your back. Make you look bad while trying to make himself or herself look good.

A friend will practice encouraging words. Sharing your work. Motivating you to persevere.

A frenemy will practice flattery. Shallow. Vain. Empty words.

A friend is selfless towards you. He or she is genuine. They truly love you and want to make sure you are ok.

A frenemy wants to drain you dry for their own selfish, narcissistic lust. They are jealous. Envious. Backstabbers. Liars. Manipulators. Frauds. They masquerade as your “friend,” but they are truly your enemy.

A friend is willing to forfeit his or her life in order to keep yours safe: “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” (Jn. 15:13)

A frenemy is willing to forfeit your life in order to cowardly preserve his or hers at your expense.

“Evil company corrupts good habits” - 1 Cor. 15:33

One could say “frenemies” corrupt your ability to continue doing what is good. Faithful. Pure. Decent. Right.

A frenemy will deceive you. Mistreat you. Will certainly masquerade as an angel of light. But will ultimately have you compromised. Walking with the wicked, living as they live. Standing with sinners, defending their sins. Sitting with scoffers, mocking those who are truly “friends.” Mocking and persecuting those who are faithful. Those who you once embraced planted firmly by the streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season And its leaf does not wither.

A frenemy is not a “friend.” For a frenemy loves the sinful world.

But a true friend. One is blessed to have. Christ first and foremost. And all who are faithful to His gospel. These are friends. These will greatly encourage us. These will be there for us in times of sorrow. Of joy. Of challenge. Of persecution. Of trial. Of spiritual conquest.