TUESDAY June 11, 2019
Friendships
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
As David spoke with King Saul, Jonathan loved him. He saw God’s anointing in his life, and his soul was immediately knit together with him. Saul decided to bring David into the kingdom; he would no longer be able to go home to help his father. Slowly, unknown to Saul, David was being exalted by the Lord, and King Saul was being demoted.
Between David and Jonathan developed a deep love and friendship for one another. David was an amazing fighter, and he was zealous for the Lord––just like Jonathan. Even though they had just met, Jonathan made a covenant with David––a promise. Jonathan humbled himself and gave David his princely robe, armor, sword, bow and belt. He gave him everything! They were all tokens of his friendship. Jonathan would always be loyal to David, and David would always be loyal to Jonathan.
In ministry, and in the congregation, we will develop close friendships, and our hearts will become knit together with other believers. Notice how the Apostle Paul describes how believers areunified …that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love… (Colossians 2:2). We should be loyal friends in the ministry, encouraging each other, and, at times, be as iron that sharpens: As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend(Proverbs 27:17).
Are you a loyal and loving friend? True friendship can only be made between true men. Hearts are the soul of honor.
~C.H. Spurgeon~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!