I was a sad somebody when, “Girlfriends”, one of my favorite television shows was cancelled. It was the only program on television which showcased African American women in a positive light. Even the sista from the hood was a successful authoress. The show let us in on the lives of these four women who were best friends and at times were the most bitter of enemies. But at the end of day, they loved each other.
I am sure you have heard the Arabian proverb, "The enemy of my enemy is my friend", but I have often wondered if the friend of my enemy is my enemy as well. There are people who I have placed on my "Do Not Trust" list. They have never done anything to offend me nor have they said anything (to my knowledge) offensive about me. But they are friends with people who have proven to be my enemies.
Most people know and even live by the age old adage "Birds of a feather flock together". But the truth is while this adage is both profound and even accurate in some cases, it is not biblical. It is unbiblical and unfair to label and even judge someone based upon their associations. But we do just that every day. However, we should look at Jesus to see how He handled his friends and his enemies.
Jesus dined with sinners, defended an adulterer and hung on a cross next to a thief. The feather-flocking together standard would certainly not be apropos concerning our Lord for He was without sin. Jesus never cheated on His Bride - the Church and He was never a thief. My life experience has caused me to lean toward the belief that a friend of my enemy is my enemy too. But life has taught me otherwise. The Lord is so kind and gracious that He will not allow me to miss a blessing by writing people off just because they know somebody who knows somebody who is my enemy.
Rather than spend the rest of my life being distrusting of all people I am learning to trust God. As I wade in the waters of emotional healing wondering if my friends are my enemies or if my enemies are my friends, I am thoroughly confident that my heavenly Father is my friend. I never have to doubt His love or friendship. As long as I obey the Word, I have a friend in the Lord Jesus Christ. Ye are My friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you (John 15:14).
I have accepted the fact that no one comes in or out of my life without the Lord's permission - some for a season and others for a lifetime. But whether they are a friend, a friend of a friend or the friend of an enemy, Jesus will always be my friend when I obey His commands. I rejoice today knowing that Jesus is a Friend of mine.
Monica C. Holland
Author, Editor & Talk Show Host
Woman of Destiny Magazine Online
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© Copyright 2013 by Monica C. Holland. Please Do Not Post This Article On Any Other Website Without Linking It Back To This Page. Do Not Reproduce This Article Without The Written Permission of the Author. Get your copy of my book, “No Ironing on Sundays: Restoring Reverence for God”. "In all your getting, get understanding..." Proverbs 4:7
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