True Friendships

1 Samuel 18:1 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.

Deep and meaningful friendships are a rare occurrence in our day. We now live in the Facebook age that gives the appearance of having friends, but generally consists of mere acquaintances.  The reality is that at best most of us only have a few close friendships with others.

Such was not the case with Jonathan and David. It appears that they grew close soon after David slew the giant Goliath. David had brought the head to the king and had exemplified courage and conviction that was lacking amongst the leaders and warriors of Israel during that time. David witnessed the blasphemy and mockery of this wicked Philistine and asked the question, “Is there not a cause?” He confronted the giant with the confidence that God would deliver. And God did.

The Bible states that their souls were knit together. Jonathan loved David like he loved himself. Some have wrongfully tried to make this friendship into a perversion. It is an example of two men of faith and love for the Lord ministering to one another. This is something deeply needed in our society today.

Many relationships are based on how others can benefit us. We make alliances with those who can provide material success or popularity. We make superficial connections with those who make us feel better about ourselves or the sheer numbers of so-called friends somehow increases our value as a person. These are not enduring friendships! We need to more focus our energy on more substantial relations such as Jonathan and David. Their friendship was not selfish, but mutually encouraging.

When faced with the difficulties of life it is a blessing to have another person that will be there regardless of circumstances. We all need a Jonathan in our lives that will walk arm-in-arm with us in the midst of the inevitable trials and tribulations of life.  Solomon later wrote:

Proverbs 17:17 A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.

Perhaps one of the reasons for the high numbers of people struggling with hopelessness and depression today is the lack of meaningful friendships that bear one another’s burdens. Both David and Jonathan were to face numerous troubles. What a blessing that they did not endure them alone. Lord help us to find at least one other person that we can knit our souls with. We need the godly support and encouragement of others as we navigate life’s journey.

Blessings,

Michael D. Green, Jr.

Fort Wayne Primitive Baptist Church