David and Jonathan…what a friendship and a match truly made in heaven; given by the love and mercy of Almighty God! We saw how their souls were knit together, how they shared a common heart, and how they were spiritually attracted to each other. I see two more things from their relationship that gives us a deeper look into the foundation on which their friendship was built …
True friendship has A Caring Heart – “And Jonathan made a solemn pact with David, because he loved him as he loved himself.” 1 Samuel 18: 3
A caring heart is selfless. There are some people out there who use their “friendships” to meet their own needs. Some look down upon, tend to evaluate, and think they’re better than others (they do this because of their pride. I used to do this all the time. Just know this, take heed, and be warned… God hates pride, and doesn’t hesitate to make the prideful fall! But He gives grace to, and lifts up the humble.)
True friendships have a Committed Heart – “Jonathan sealed the pact by taking off his robe and giving it to David, together with his tunic, sword, bow, and belt.” 1 Samuel 18: 4
They based their friendship on commitment to God, not just each other. David and Jonathan made a commitment to be loyal friends. True friends want God’s best for you; they want their friend to succeed. After I posted the first part of The Essentials of True Friendship, I’ve gotten some responses from people questioning this type of friendship. Some in actual disbelief, because they never experienced this type of true friendship before. I thought about some of those responses, and I believe that to get this kind of friendship is not only what God wants for us, but here are some ways we can cultivate it: We all need to really pray and ask God to make US true friends. Keep your eyes and ears open- to do this, you MUST be around other Christians. And here’s something huge… Listen to others! Don’t just talk and talk, and talk! Share from the heart; share fears, struggles, lessons you’ve learned, share what God has shown you, etc. And most importantly… accept people for who they are!
Here is what the Bible Commentary says regarding David and Jonathan: They grew closer when their friendship was tested, and they remained friends till the end. Jonathan, the prince of Israel, later realized that David, not he, would be the next king. But that did not weaken his love for David. Jonathan would much rather lose the throne of Israel than lose his closest friend.
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