True Friendship

Jonathan said to David, “Go in peace, for we have sworn friendship with each other in the name of the LORD, saying, ‘The LORD is witness between you and me, and between your descendants and my descendants forever.’ 1 Samuel 20:42





One of the greatest stories of friendship in the Bible is the story of Jonathan and David.  Two men, who in reality should have been rivals, were able to see past all that surrounded them and see the true heart of one another.  Jonathan, the king's son, had a very kind heart and was the closest, most committed friend to David. They made a vow to each other that no matter what they faced they would remain loyal friends.  Perhaps the most difficult challenge they faced was when David was afraid for his life because Jonathan’s father, King Saul, wanted David dead.  Jonathan loved David and made a plan to protect him from his father.  David and Jonathan faced very difficult times.  Many situations occurred in their lives that could have easily destroyed their friendship, but they took their vow of loyalty to one another very seriously.  They looked past each others flaws and mistakes and continued to see each others' true hearts - no matter what anyone else thought of them.

Are you fortunate enough to have a friendship like this in your life?  David and Jonathan knew the true meaning of friendship.  They weren’t just committed when it was convenient for them. They weren’t just committed when the other one’s behavior was perfect.  They weren’t just committed until the other one's flaws were revealed.  They were committed - period.  We need this same type of friendship in our own lives.  We need to be able to be real and vulnerable with our closest friends and at the same time create a safe place for them to be who they are - with all their good and bad.  We can’t choose to commit to friends only until they disappoint us or let us down or until we find parts of their personalities annoying or frustrating.  We must be committed and loyal at all times -  just like David and Jonathan.  The Bible is built on the foundation of relationship.  It all starts with our relationship with him, and shows his desire for us to build relationships with people in our lives.  To build a relationship takes work!  We can’t hibernate or wait for others to pursue us.  We must make an effort to reach out and show interest in other people.  We must be careful not to live our lives in seclusion.  This is not God's plan for our lives.  Without relationships, we stunt our spiritual and personal growth.  Sometimes its easiest just to hang out with that one same friend all the time, or to only spend your free time with your spouse and kids.  Spending time with your family is obviously very important, but it is just as important to invest in other relationships.  Your time may seem limited, but it only takes a little effort to take the first step. 

Your challenge this week is to make a decision to grow to the next level spiritually and personally.  Ask God to put one person on your heart whom you could start to build a real relationship with.  Make it a point to connect with them whether by phone, email or Facebook.  Don't worry about the process so much;  just get it done.  Set a date for coffee, exercise, or even a play date with kids.  If you are blessed with a friendship like this already, examine your own heart and the kind of friend you have been.   What areas can you improve upon to become a better friend?  A true friendship brings a true peace to your life.  Work this week to cultivate friendship and peace in your own life.  It is not likely that you will need to help your friend escape death, but it is the little things, and honoring the promise of commitment, that make all the difference!