A FAITHFUL FRIEND

Life is hard, but thankfully God does not leave us to walk through it alone. Often, He brings friends into our lives to strengthen and help us along the way. Other times, however, God calls us to be that faithful friend. I am inspired by Jonathan’s friendship with David, and I strive for the same commitment and love in my relationships.

Jonathan was instantly drawn to David from the beginning and determined to be his bosom friend. Scripture notes that Jonathan became one in spirit with David. He bound himself to David with love deeper than for himself. Jonathan and David covenanted together by exchanging robes, making a permit pledge of their friendship in the sight of God. Through the covenant, the two became one. Jonathan also gave David his weapons, a symbol of protection. Jonathan displayed his commitment to be David’s defender and a source of strength through this act. Finally, this covenant symbolized Jonathan handing over the right of future kingship to David.

As the future heir in line for the throne, Jonathan could have been filled with jealousy and envy due to David’s success and adoration. Instead, Jonathan recognized God’s calling on David’s life as the anointed one and chose to come alongside David, supporting him. Jonathan submitted to God’s will and trusted in His perfect plan. Jonathan’s faith is evident through his selfless actions and commitment to the well-being of others.

Throughout David’s journey to kingship, he faced many challenges, including running for his life when Jonathan’s father, Saul, attempted to kill him. During this time, Jonathan stayed faithful to their friendship and helped David in any way possible, including jeopardizing his own life. However, Jonathan and David eventually had to part ways for their safety. In their last meeting, David vowed to show kindness to Jonathan’s household, and Jonathan reaffirmed his love for David. The bittersweet parting was not the end of this friendship, though. Despite Jonathan’s death, David kept his vowed and continued to show the same love and kindness to Jonathan’s family as he had initially received.

Jonathan is a type of Christ who showed sacrificial and unwavering love. Just as Jonathan was dedicated to protecting David, Jesus lovingly rescued us from death and the power of sin, bringing us into His glorious covenant. Not only that, but Jesus also exchanges our rags for his robes, clothing us in His righteousness and uniting us to Himself.

Throughout my life, I have recognized the value of friendship and carrying each other’s burdens. One of my dearest friends from childhood has walked with me through many joys and hardships over the years. We have shared our lives together, from daily struggles to deep suffering. She prays for me constantly and continues to push me to Christ. I know I can always go to her, and she will be there for me.

I am so grateful for this sweet friendship God has blessed me with and the examples I have from scripture and life on how to be a better friend. Scripture reminds me, “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity” (Proverbs 17:17, ESV) I pray that God will help me to adopt the same attitude and character traits as Jonathan, Corinne, and ultimately Jesus by becoming a faithful friend.