What Is A Friend? UnderDog Report #98

A young individual recently expressed a vehement dislike for Charlie Kirk and everything he represents, sharing their feelings with a group of like-minded friends. Their disdain reached such a level that they decided to investigate Kirk’s views firsthand, curious about the supposed hate speech they had heard so much about.

To their astonishment, what they discovered was a person who was neither hateful nor a racist. Instead, they found a figure who articulated his beliefs without the vitriol they expected. This experience began to shift their perspective, leading them to become a regular consumer of his content.

Since his tragic assassination, this individual has been in mourning, feeling as though they lost a close confidant. It’s a sentiment echoed by many of his followers, who, despite never meeting him, felt a deep connection to his persona.

Kirk was often characterized as possessing “genius-level intelligence,” with a knack for political instincts and a flair for patriotism, populism, and Christian nationalism.[1] His ability to defend biblical principles resonated with many.

Friendship From the Bible

The fallout from Charlie Kirk’s assassination has left a palpable void. Though I never interacted with him personally, I share the sentiment of having lost a friend. In light of this, I’d like to share some reflections on Friendship From the Bible (Click to see video or read below)

Do You Fit In?

At various points in our lives, we all grapple with feelings of alienation. From a young age, we seek out groups that resonate with us, carving out our identities. In elementary school, we align with peers who share our interests—whether they be jocks, nerds, or artists. Conversely, we also recognize those groups we feel we cannot belong to.

Reflecting on my junior high experience, I once navigated the treacherous waters of bullying until I triumphed over the school bully in wrestling, solidifying my place on the team. Suddenly, I was no longer a target; I was accepted.

This period is also marked by a desire to differentiate ourselves from our parents. I recall when my older brother introduced the Woodstock album into our home—a clear act of rebellion. In response, I plastered large posters in my room, signaling my desire for autonomy.

But amidst our youthful rebellion, what does scripture say about honoring our parents?

Deuteronomy 5:16 (NIV): “Honor your father and your mother, as the LORD your God has commanded you, so that you may live long and that it may go well with you in the land the LORD your God is giving you.”

This commandment is unique, as it comes with promises attached—two, to be precise:

1. 1. Honor your parents, and you will live long,
   2. Honor your parents, and it will go well in the land you are living in. The implication here is clear: a society where children honor their parents will witness a decline in rebellion, confusion, and violence.

By treating our parents with respect, we contribute to a more stable society. A community filled with principled individuals requires less external control and surveillance.

What is a Friend?

Consider the tale of Jonathan and his armor-bearer, who courageously engaged a Philistine garrison, empowered by faith in God, as recounted in 1 Samuel 13:23 – 14:15. Jonathan acted without informing King Saul, likely sensing his father’s discord with divine will. He exemplifies true strength and loyalty.

Jonathan’s bond with David is another hallmark of profound friendship. In 1 Samuel 20, he protects David from his father’s murderous intentions, illustrating a friendship that transcends familial loyalty.

Proverbs 18:24: “One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”

Do you have friends who prove unreliable? Someone who remains absent when you need support or fails to stand by you during disputes? (Next week, I will delve deeper into this with an article titled “Split the Baby!)”

2 Samuel 1:25-26: “The mighty warriors—fallen, fallen in the middle of the fight! Jonathan—struck down on your hills! O my dear brother Jonathan, I’m crushed by your death. Your friendship was a miracle-wonder, love far exceeding anything I’ve known—or ever hope to know.

The circumstances of Jonathan’s death often trouble me. He remained loyal to his father despite knowing Saul’s disobedience to God. Perhaps he should have sought guidance from a prophet before remaining at his father’s side.

In contrast, David is revered as a “Man after God’s own heart” because he allowed divine providence to dictate the course of his kingship. He refused to harm Saul, God’s anointed, even when given the opportunity. Instead, David had to wait a lengthy twelve years after his anointment to ascend to the throne.

Who are YOUR Friends

There’s an age-old Italian tale worth sharing.

Two friends encountered a third individual, leading to a dispute that escalated into a physical altercation. Following the fight, one friend questioned the other: “Why didn’t you help me?” To which the response was, “Because you were wrong!” The first friend retorted, “Don’t you think I know that I was wrong? That’s why I needed a friend!”

This narrative underscores the essential nature of loyalty among friends. Have you ever experienced a friend’s silence when you needed support, especially when you were in the right? During the pandemic, when many were coerced into taking a vaccine that later proved to be contentious, did you stand by those who resisted?

Reflecting on Germany before and during World War II, many sought allies in their time of need, yet found none. The poignant words of Martin Niemöller resonate:

First they came for the Communists
And I did not speak out, Because I was not a Communist

Then they came for the Socialists
And I did not speak out, Because I was not a Socialist

Then they came for the trade unionists
And I did not speak out, Because I was not a trade unionist

Then they came for the Jews
And I did not speak out, Because I was not a Jew

Then they came for me
And there was no one left, To speak out for me

A Friend in Need, is a Friend Indeed

A true friend is someone who stands by you in times of trouble, rather than watching from the sidelines. For Christians, our true family comprises those who fulfill the will of the Father.

Matthew 12:46-50 (NIV): “While Jesus was still talking to the crowd, his mother and brothers stood outside, wanting to speak to him. 47 Someone told him, ‘Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to you.’ 48 He replied to him, ‘Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?’ 49 Pointing to his disciples, he said, ‘Here are my mother and my brothers. 50 For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.”

It’s crucial to surround ourselves with those who live according to God’s word. Remember our earlier discussion about connecting with peers in junior high? Here’s a saying to consider:

“Show Me Your Friends and I Will Show You Your Future.”

If we associate with detrimental influences, our futures may mirror that negativity. However, as Christians, we possess the promise of an eternal future, allowing us to forge friendships not only with fellow believers but also with our ultimate destination—Heaven!

2 Corinthians 6:14-16, 18-20 (NIV): “Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? 15 What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? 16 What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God.”

As Christians, we will face increasing animosity from those who oppose Christ. In a world replete with hatred, let us resist division among ourselves and instead foster love and loyalty. Let us be the dependable friends that God desires us to be. MAKE A NEW FRIEND TODAY.

Next week, stay tuned for “Split the Baby!”

^FOOTNOTES:

^[1] Grok – Kirk co-founded TPUSA in 2012 with no initial funding or connections, aiming to promote free markets and limited government on campuses. It grew into a multimillion-dollar organization with affiliates like Turning Point Action (voter mobilization) and Turning Point Faith (evangelical outreach). Signature events included rallies with pyrotechnics drawing tens of thousands, campus “Prove Me Wrong” tables for debates, and the “You’re Being Brainwashed” tour, which generated billions of social media views. His media empire included The Charlie Kirk Show (top-ranked podcast with 8.2 million TikTok followers), books like The MAGA Doctrine (2020), and a 2025 TV show on Trinity Broadcasting Network. Kirk amassed personal wealth (salary over $325,000 by 2020) and was named to Forbes’ 30 Under 30 in 2018. He was Trump’s “bridge to young Republicans,” advising on appointments and crediting TPUSA with the 2024 victory.

^[2] Genesis 29:11 & 13, 33:4, 48:10, 1 Peter 5:14, Luke 15:20, etc.