TRUE FRIENDSHIP BETWEEN DAVID AND JONATHAN

TOPIC: TRUE FRIENDSHIP BETWEEN DAVID AND JONATHAN

TEXT: ROMANS 12:9-10

INTRODUCTION:

A true friendship that stands the test of trials and time is rare. Friends may come and go, but to have a lifelong, close, personal friendship is truly a great blessing. The story of Jonathan and David is the story of one such friendship. As we study about this friendship, we will find that, they shared much in common, they were loyal, faithful and confident in each other. There were also things that could have easily destroyed their bond, but instead, they made it stronger.1Samuel 18:1 tells us that Jonathan loved David very well because the friendship between them was a covenantal relationship.  In 1Samuel 18:1-5, we read of David and Jonathan, forming an agreement. In this agreement, Jonathan was to be second Command in David’s future reign, and David was to protect Jonathan’s family (1 Sam. 20:16-17, 42; 23:16-18) Jonathan chose to eternally lose his accessibility to royal throne because of a shepherd boy whom he loved. This kind of friendship is rare and can only be found in JESUS CHRIST (John 3:16).

            Qualities of David and Jonathan’s Friendship

1.       They sacrificed for one another (1 Sam. 18:4). We read in this scriptural passage that Jonathan gave David his clothes and military garb. The significance of this gift was that Jonathan recognised that David would one day be the king of Israel. Rather than being envious or jealous, Jonathan submitted to God’s will and sacrificed his own right to the throne.

2.       Jonathan was loyal to David (1 Sam. 19:1-3). Jonathan loyalty towards defending David was made known when his father told his followers to kill David. Jonathan rebuked his father and recalled David’s faithfulness to him in killing Goliath.

            WHO WAS JONATHAN?

1.       He was a prince and son of Saul.

2.       He was also heir apparent to the throne of Israel.

3.       He was destined to rule after the death of his father. Jonathan was well aware of this…… (1 Sam. 13:13).

HOW DO WE KNOW TRUE FRIENDSHIP?

1.       Friends who make the effort to develop each other.

2.       Friends who are genuinely happy for you when something good happens.

3.       Must friends: A best friend, a member of your inner circle, a person you count on when something big happens in your life.

4.       True friend: A friend who shows integrity. Someone you feel comfortable being with, that you’re always glad to see, but not in your inmost circle.

5.       Friends who don’t deceive each other (Rom.12:9).

6.       Friends who always speak the truth without minding whether it hurts.

CONCLUSION: God expects us to relate well with one another. Let us arise and build the broken wall of relationship.