The friendship between Jonathan and David is one of the most beautiful and profound relationships depicted in the Bible. What were the elements that made this relationship so special?
Now when he had finished speaking to Saul, the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul. Saul took him that day, and would not let him go home to his father’s house anymore. Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul. And Jonathan took off the robe that was on him and gave it to David, with his armor, even to his sword and his bow and his belt. 1 Samuel 18:1-4 (NKJV)
David and Jonathan’s relationship was more than mere friendship. It was a binding agreement of loyalty and support that reflected the will of God and the purpose of God that was prophesied over David.
The phrase “the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David” signifies a deep love. This kind of friendship is rare, built on mutual respect, admiration, and a shared faith in God.
Nowadays, it is hard to find these kinds of friendships. It seems like many relationships are limited to a certain seasons of life or certain activities in life. Are you investing in friendships that nourish your soul and bring you closer to God? Are you giving to others as you are receiving from them?
David and Jonathan’s relationship had certain elements that made it successful:
Their Love was selfless
A relationship cannot just be about what is in it for me . Jonathan’s love for David was selfless, as he loved David “as his own soul.” This reflects the commandment to love our neighbors as ourselves (Mark 12:31). True friendship involves giving of ourselves.
A mutual understanding and agreement
David and Jonathan had made a covenant with each other. They must have had various conversations that brought them to actually make a commitment to each other to be steadfast in their relationship.
Sometimes, relationships don’t go well because two people have a different vision and expectation for the relationship, but they have never openly discussed those expectations. As a result, one person continues to be disappointed in the relationship, and the other one may not even realize that there is a problem.
Focused on God’s Purpose
Jonathan giving David his robe, armor, sword, bow, and belt was symbolic. It represented Jonathan’s recognition of David’s future role and his willingness to support him even at great personal cost. How willing are we to honor and uplift our friends, even if it means making sacrifices? Sadly, many times, friendships tends to start out right but, eventually, comparison and competition by one or both people sets in that poisons the friendship.
Let’s examine our relationships based on the quality of mutual love, mutual benefit, and how the Lord leads us in the relationship.
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