Good morning, Bible Readers, and welcome to all new members! Many people have no clue what being a TRUE friend really means. Genuine, true friendship is built upon a foundation of being accountable to and for each other and loving each other in truth. There’s “friends”….and then there’s “associates”. Never confuse the two. Ask yourself…are YOU being the right type of friend to the people you claim you love? Or is it merely an association? =================================== “Now it came about when he had finished speaking to Saul, that the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as himself. Saul took him that day and did not let him return to his fathers house. Then Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself.” - 1 Samuel 18:1-3 All people long to be in genuine relationships. God created us with this need, as we were not meant to live in isolation. Our world is so driven by technology that many people today try to ease their loneliness through computer relationships. However, this can never satisfy or compare to the human fellowship that the Creator designed. But healthy friendships dont just happen. They require intentional effort. The relationship between David and Jonathan provide a great biblical model of godly companions, demonstrating how mutual respect is vital in a healthy friendship. These two men had an emotional love for one another; their hearts were knit together (1 Sam. 18:1). When one man experienced joy or sadness, the other man felt it too. They also had genuine devotion to each other, which is a type of commitment that involves giving: to show loyalty, Jonathan gave his friend material items--his robe and weapon. But these two men also selflessly offered more: Jonathan even risked his life and future kingship in order to save David from execution. Notice, too, that Jonathan was often the initiator, and the one who gave more. He was a prince, whereas David was a lowly shepherd. Social status shouldnt interfere with cultivating a true friendship. We were designed for true companionship based on mutual respect, genuine love, and commitment. This requires not only time and selfless devotion but also transparency--which means being real, even about our faults. Taking such a risk requires trust. Such relationships are well worth the effort.
Posted on: Thu, 30 Oct 2014 15:08:54 +0000
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