Session 3

How to tell your real friends from your fake friends

From 2 Corinthians: 21-Day Bible Study

Friendship has lost its depth of meaning in the age of social media. We feel connected to people because it's so easy to interact with them online, but many of those relationships are superficial at best. Who do you call in the middle of the night when you have to rush to the emergency room? Who stood by your side during the divorce? Who came to do laundry when you were sleep deprived with a newborn? Those are your true friends.

Just because someone agrees with everything you believe doesn't make them your friend.

Just because someone agrees with everything you believe doesn't make them your friend. Proverbs explains it this way: "Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses" (Proverbs 27:5-6). A true friend isn't afraid to tell you when you're wrong. True friends know your baggage, and love you anyway.

Paul encourages us, in 2 Corinthians 7:2-7, to have great friendships. And, Jesus modeled how to be the best friend. He told his disciples: "Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends" (John 15:12-13). The Son of God Himself lived out the principle that you can't do life alone. During His ministry on earth, Jesus lived, laughed, cried, prayed, and fought alongside men and women He knew and loved with His whole heart. He died to pay for their and our sins. He rose from the dead so we could all live eternally in freedom together.

Friendship isn't an abstract ideal or a superficial reality. It's the way our God lived on earth and commands us to live. Having and being a friend isn't optional in this life.

Reflect:

• Who would you call at 3am in an emergency?
• Who do you think would call you?
• What is one thing you can do today to be a better friend to someone you love?