A Lesson in Friendship

I am reading 1 Sam 18 where the relationship between Jonathan, the King's son, and David, God's anointed King, is first described. Verse 1 says there was an immediate bond between them, and that Jonathan loved David as he loved himself.

Thinking ahead to the next chapters I know that Jonathan is a good man.  He knows the Lord and his power to do mighty things through the people who serve Him (1 Sam 14).  Jonathan protects David from his father's anger and jealousy many times.

I wonder why the Lord chose David to be King over the heir apparent--Jonathan.  It seems to me that Jonathan also is a man after God's own heart.  Oh how grateful I am that I am not God.  What my mind and my heart see in other people is not what God sees.   I am grateful that God can look at each of us and know who we are; what we long to be; and who we serve.

I too have had a few friends in my life with whom I have had an instant bond.  I am most grateful to God for the gift he has given me, their friendship, and I look forward with joy to all the time we will spend together in eternity.


In thinking back to days gone by, I am reminded of the many times in my life when sin was rampant: high school, and my early marriage.  I am looking at the friendships that I had at the time.  In high school, I had lost my best friend and was desperately trying to fit in.  I hung out with my brother and his friends, or studied.  Youth group was a thing of the past, and I had lost all contact with most of my youth group due to class choice differences.  I was a friend to no one in particular. In my early marriage I was also alone. My best friend did not want to be married to me anymore and I had yet to find a church to my liking. I had moved away from the city I was raised in and although I made friends quickly they seldom lasted more than 6 months.

Likewise, I think back on my life to times where I was strongly committed to God: catechism and youth group, and the past five years.  In catechism and youth group we had a core group of 6-10 kids that met every week at least 2 times a week in fellowship and studying the word of God. These were friends that were committed to God and to each other.  When the group ended, so did most of the friendships, however these are special people that I want to know about their lives via Facebook and reunions. Again, in the last five years, I am dedicated to God and all that He has for me.  My deep and abiding friendships are with people that share my same faith and encourage me to grow in Christ. I know that I can count on them for support and they will always tell me the truth.  They love me, despite my sins, or my flaws, and I love them.