Life offers up some lonely places at times. Our family has moved so many times, I refuse to count anymore. With each tearing up of roots comes new growth opportunities, but it does take time to build new friendships. It also takes intention. As I read the story of Jonathan and David yesterday, I was struck by the openhanded offer of friendship Jonathan extended to David and the lessons to be gleaned in befriending others.
And it came to pass, when he had made an end of speaking unto Saul, that the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul. And Saul took him that day, and would let him go no more home to his father’s house. Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul. And Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was upon him, and gave it to David, and his garments, even to his sword, and to his bow, and to his girdle. 1 Samuel 18:1-4
- Jonathan saw something he admired in David and chose to be his friend.
Friendship begins with a simple choice to befriend someone. If you meet someone you admire or share similar interests with, decide to befriend them. Do not wait for the other person to befriend you. Proverbs 18:24
- Jonathan extended friendship without expectation.
Jonathan certainly had nothing to gain in befriending a poor shepherd boy. He may have already known that David had been anointed the next king of Israel, an appointment for which Jonathan was already in line. Yet, Jonathan extended a wholehearted friendship with no strings or expectations. Friendships can and should extend beyond generational, social, financial, or locational boundaries. Luke 6:30-35
- Jonathan recognized a need and openhandedly gave what he had.
Jonathan recognized some needs in David’s life and extended them generously. Jonathan had it, David needed it, and the matter was settled. Many friendships have been built because someone saw and met a need without being asked. Look for opportunities to meet the needs of others without expecting anything in return. Luke 6:38
- Jonathan’s faith in God sharpened David’s and vice versa.
Jonathan successfully engaged an entire troop of Philistine soldiers with only God and his armor-bearer to help him (1 Samuel 14). He was well acquainted with the faith in God that David trusted to fight Goliath while the rest of the Israeli army sat quaking in their boots. Jonathan saw a real and dynamic faith in David that encouraged his own. Getting involved in an active ministry for the Lord often creates like-minded friendships. Proverbs 27:17
- God brought the two men together at a needed time in David’s life.
God always knows what we need at any given time. David’s life was just about to spiral into a chaotic cat-and-mouse chase as he ran for his life. Jonathan would take another opportunity to look for David to encourage him when David desperately needed it (1 Samuel 23:16). If you need a friend, ask God to send one into your life or ask Him for an opportunity to be a friend to someone else in need. God created us to be relational. We need friends. Because God has promised to supply all our needs, we can boldly come before His throne of grace to ask for what we need. And, of course, like Jonathan, we can be there for others going through trials and difficulties to encourage them in the Lord. Proverbs 17:17
- Reaping what you sow is a Biblical principle.
Jonathan befriended David when he was a no-one from nowhere. He invested in his life without expectation. When Jonathan died and David became king, David invited Mephibosheth, Jonathan’s disabled son, to dine at his table with him. Their friendship extended beyond the grave. When we invest in the lives of others, we will always reap the benefits of that investment in some way. It may even bless our children after us. Galatians 6:7
Making new friends can be hard work, but so rewarding. We are never more like our Savior than when we are investing in others and extending a hand of friendship. Jesus is truly a Friend that sticketh closer than a brother! Enjoy this day celebrating friendship!
Erica B.
His Song in the Night 