True friendship : Love isnt the only fruit of true friendship. It consists of sacrifice too. Jonathan is a picture of sacrifice. He removed his robe and gave it to David, along with his armor, sword, bow and belt. Jonathan was the potential heir to his fathers throne, but we see him sacrificing his future as he gives David his place as king. We learn from Jonathans action that true friendship means a willingness to sacrifice for each other. Its the choice to put anothers needs, desires and wishes above our own. Loyalty is also a mark of true friendship. Were told that Jonathan went to his father and spoke well of David. He reminded the king that David had done nothing wrong. In fact, David had been loyal to Saul. Jonathan impresses me. Its tough to do the right thing and stand up to authority. We learn by his actions that a true friend is a loyal defense before others, and one who wont talk badly about you when youre not around. True friends stick up for each other and are ready to defend when others attack. Finally, true friends trust each enough to be themselves. When Jonathan told David that his father was out to kill him, the two were forced to say goodbye. The text in 1 Samuel 20:41 tells us that they wept together. I love that. When your heart is broken, you can fall apart and a good friend understands. She wont try to correct you in your misery or tell you to straighten up. True friends let each other hurt. They weep together. They listen to fears. They dont bail; they stay. They allow you to be yourself — no matter what self looks like. God challenges me to be a better friend with the story of Jonathan and David. I check my heart to see if Im loyal, loving, selfless and trustworthy, then I ask God to help me be that kind of friend and bless me with the same.
Posted on: Fri, 07 Mar 2014 13:52:31 +0000
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