Friendship is one of the great assets of life. To have a true lasting friendship can be a wonderful help, encouragement and blessing. Someone has said, "A friend is one who comes in when all the world has moved out." What kind of a friend are you? There are not many friendships mentioned in the Bible, which were as close and warm as David and Jonathan's. They were attracted to each other as soon as they met. Possibly Jonathan was a little older than David. The friendship began following David's defeat of Goliath. Jonathan was open, unselfish and generous. After defeating the giant, David was still in his shepherd's clothes. Prince Jonathan replaced them with the robe and tunic he was wearing and added his sword and belt as well. Love and friendship delighted in giving. Instead of being jealous Jonathan acted as a true friend to David. Proverbs 17:17 (Living Bible) says, "A true friend is always loyal." Jonathan's friendship remained unchanged through years of increasing opposition by his own father against David. Several times Jonathan went to find David and to help him. That is one test of a true friendship. When a friend is being criticized or beaten down, it is not the time to desert him or her. That is the time when they may need you most. Their friendship continued even after the death of Jonathan. Years later David remembered a promise they had made to look after each other's children. David found Jonathon's son Mephibosheth and treated him like a prince "for Jonathan's sake". What a picture of God's love for us for Christ's sake. What kind of a friend are you? Do you have a friend? Why not ask God to give you a "Jonathan" friend. How can we do more for our friends as Jonathan did for David? Jonathan helped him "find strength in God". We can encourage them. Contact them frequently. Pray for them. Be with them. A THOUGHT FOR TODAY: Reach out and touch someone today! |
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