A True Friend

How would you describe a true friend? What qualities would that friendship have and why would it be something you would want to be a part of? The bible tells us what a true friendship is like and what qualities make it a real treasure. It’s told in the story of David and Jonathan and is found in 1 Samuel

From the first time these two met they were destined to become best friends. David had just killed Goliath and Jonathan was there to congratulate him and honor him. The word says that they “became one in spirit and he loved him as himself.” (1 Samuel 18:1)

Jonathan and David had many things in common; they were both courageous and capable young warriors who possessed profound faith in God. They had both faced incredible odds when fighting Israel’s enemies, both resulting in great victories.

As a young shepherd boy, David did not have the fine clothing that a prince of the royal familly would have, but Jonathan gave his robe to David along with his tunic, sword, his bow and his belt. Then Jonathan made a covenant with David.

These two friends were willing to give all they had to each other and made promises to honor and protect each other and their families in the future. Jonathan truely loved David more than himself.

As the first born of Saul, Jonathan was in line for the throne, but he knew that God had other plans and he willingly stepped aside and acknowledged David as the future king.

Several times Jonathan stood up for David, confronting the king and facing his wrath and even an attempt to take his own life for defending David. He didn’t shy away from speaking the truth even when it cost him a relationship with his own father.

One of my favorite examples of this true friendship was when David was on the run for his life from King Saul and Jonathan went to him and helped him find strength in God.

“Jonathan went to find David and encouraged him to stay strong in his faith in God.  “Don’t be afraid,” Jonathan reassured him. “My father will never find you! You are going to be the king of Israel, and I will be next to you, as my father, Saul, is well aware.”  So the two of them renewed their solemn pact before the Lord.” (1Samuel 23:16-18)

That’s true friendship. A person who will encourage you in the Lord. The NLT reads that “he encouraged him to stay strong in his faith in God.” These men had many important qualities like loyalty, honor and trust, but the most important was that they encouraged each other to be strong in their faith.

Do your friendships encourage you in that way? Do you encourage your friends in that way?

In those days it was common place to execute the previous royal line to prevent anyone from rebelling and trying to regain the throne. But David and Jonathan’s relationship was lifelong and after David became king he was faithful to his covenant with Jonathan and took in Jonathan’s son and treated him as a member of the royal family.

Would you call yourself a friend after reading about an example of true friendship? Jesus calls us His friend, isn’t that amazing! In John 15:15, it reads, “I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn’t confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me.”

We are friends of Christ! He has done all the things describe in the story that true friends do. He has made a lifelong covenant with us. He has clothed us in royalty by calling us His own. He speaks truth about us and defends us against the accusations of our enemy. He makes a way for us and He always encourages us in our faith. Oh what a friend we have in Jesus!

My Prayer

Father, I am so honored that You call me friend. You are always faithful and I thank you for all the ways that You have shown me unconditional love. Help me to be that kind of friend to others. To encourage them in their faith and to be willing to do whatever it takes to be a godly friend and follow Your example. Thank you for true friends. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Where does my help come from?

Proverbs 17:17

“A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need.”

John 15:13

“There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”

John 15:15

“I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn’t confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me.”