A youth ministry initiative by RBC Ministries
where you can find devotionals and resources for youth.
A youth ministry initiative by RBC Ministries
where you can find devotionals and resources for youth.
September 8, 2010
Jonathan made a solemn pact with David, because he loved him as he loved himself (v.3).
READ: 1 Samuel 18
John Chrysostom wrote: “Such is friendship, that through it we love places and seasons; for as . . . flowers drop their sweet leaves on the ground around them, so friends impart favor even to the places where they dwell. . . . It would be better for us that the sun were exhausted than that we should be without friends.”
There’s no better example of the sweetness of a godly friendship than Jonathan and David’s story. The Bible records that “there was an immediate bond between them” (1 Samuel 18:1). Friends share a oneness of spirit.
The two warriors established their friendship after David had killed the giant Goliath in battle. Jonathan also overcame great odds in war (14:6). So they shared the belief that one should risk great odds for a God who could overcome any obstacle.
Their friendship was sustained by the constant renewing of their loyalty to one another (18:3; 20:16,42; 23:18), as well as nurtured by true expressions of concern. These expressions took the form of gifts as well as guidance. Jonathan shared with David gifts of prominence and practicality (18:4), and he also shielded his friend by means of warnings and acts of protection (19:1-2; 20:12-13). Friends help solve problems and share alternate solutions.
The apex of Jonathan and David’s friendship is found in these words: “Jonathan went to find David and encouraged him to stay strong in his faith in God” (23:16).
Friends help you find strength in God during the low ebb times of life. In a world where most relationships are about what I can get, let’s be the type of friend who is focused on what I can give. Jesus, our perfect Friend, told us, “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (John 15:13). Let’s follow His example. —Poh Fang Chia
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Filed under Devotional, Our Daily Journey and tagged with Accountability, Christian Living, daily devotional, Encouragement, Faith, Fellowship, Friendship, God's Love, Relationships, serving others, Trust, Unity.
We must remember that friends are a gift given to us by God.
Ecclesiastes 4: 9-12
Two people are better off than one,for they can help each other succeed.If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. but someone who falls alone is in deep trouble. Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-two-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple braided cord is not easily broken.