Resolve To Develop the Art and Science of Friendship

Godly friendship is built on commitment to God and provides lifelong encouragement.

I wanted to focus on one of the strongest friendship stories in the Bible. This is the bond between David and Jonathan. I will be getting this from 1 Samuel 18: 1-5, 20:35-42.

At this time David has already been anointed by Samuel to be the next king. This is also after the famous battle between David and Goliath. We do know that do to Saul’s actions, the Lord had already forsaken him. Evil spirits have started to overcome him making him made and angry. David would calm him with melodies from his harp. I also want to point out that the Bible never proclaims if Jonathan, Saul’s son, knew if David was anointed to be the next king by Samuel.

Now, let’s explore the verses. We see two drastically different relationship in 1 Samuel 18-20. David’s relationship with Saul suffered from fear, jealously, anger, pride, resentment, and insecurity on Saul’s side. David loved and respected Saul, but the feelings were not always reciprocated. David’s relationship with Jonathan was characterized by love, support, respect, sacrifice, kindness, and encouragement on both sides.

The nature of David and Jonathan’s relationship provides a great truth. Strong relationships are not one-sided;both parties are mutually invested.

To be fair, Saul’s relationship with David was not always tumultuous. Saul met David at a very unusual time. According to the Bible, Saul was tormented by evil spirits from the Lord (16:14). This is when David would come him with the harp. This is why David was brought before Saul in the first place, to serve him as a harp player. After David defeated Goliath, the relationship strengthened, and David eventually came to live in Saul’s house. (18:2)

This relationship changed when the women of Israel sang a song that Saul interpreted proclaiming David to be a greater warrior than Saul. As a result, “Saul was furious and resented this song.” Jealously sank in and this is the back story of Jonathan and David’s relationship.

Jonathan committed himself to David, and loved him as much as he loved himself. As a way of symbolizing the depth of his friendship and the seriousness of this covenant, Jonathan gave his robe (a symbol of the Israelite kingdom) to David. The act was both symbolic and powerful. By giving David the robe, along with his military tunic, sword, bow, and his belt, Jonathan symbolically transferred his status (as heir to the throne) to David. This act showed how true friendship is selfless, sacrificial, and supportive.

Success also has a way of revealing true friends. Saul was threatened by David’s success and watched him jealously (1 Samuel 18:9). Jonathan was excited for David’s success and entered a deeper relationship with him. Success has a way of revealing the character of those who are successful and the character of those who claim to be their friends.

I will end with this, Godly friendship is not self-center; it seeks the best for others.True friendship is based on mutual trust and faithfulness. We can be thankful that Christ promises never to leave or forsake us, being a Friend for eternity.