Scripture: Proverbs 18:24 One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
Devotional: Friendships are important. They are vital to the health and well-being of our very soul. Those who have lasting relationships, whether that’s marriage or friendship live longer, happier lives.
There’s a great example of this very kind of friendship in Scripture. That is, the friendship between David and Jonathan. They became fast friends soon after they met:
“After David had finished talking with Saul, Jonathan became one in spirit with David, and he loved him as himself. From that day Saul kept David with him and did not let him return home to his family. And Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself. Jonathan took off the robe he was wearing and gave it to David, along with his tunic, and even his sword, his bow and his belt.” (1 Samuel 18:1-4)
We then learn in 1 Samuel 20 that David and Jonathan made a covenant of sworn friendship between themselves in the name of the Lord. They were spiritual friends. They faced great adversity in their friendship and literally staked their lives on the loyalty they shared. 1 Samuel 23:16 tells us: “And Saul’s son Jonathan went to David at Horesh and helped him find strength in God.”
Jonathan and David’s friendship was based on a shared love and commitment to God. There is no greater friendship one can have than that: someone who spurs you on and helps you find strength and encouragement in the Lord.
Reflect:
- Who in your life would you consider to be a spiritual friend that spurs you on in your commitment to Christ? Give thanks for that person today.
- If you do not yet have this kind of friend, pray that God will help you find such a friend, and be such a friend, to another person.