Re:Verse reading— 1 Samuel 20:1-17, 30-42 (day two) “Therefore deal kindly with your servant, for you have brought your servant into a covenant of the Lord with you. But if there is iniquity in me, put me to death yourself; for why then should you bring me to your father?” 20:8
Only a righteous man could make such a statement. David knew the stakes and what he was asking of Jonathan. The anointing that David received was not a free pass to an easy life, and it was not a get out of sin card either. David was not perfect, but he was righteous. David was putting Jonathan in an almost impossible position, so his request had to come from a place of humility. God still asks his chosen to endure trials. He still anoints men and women to be instruments of his peace. Are you submitted to that call, and willing to endure whatever that may mean?
The relationship between David and Jonathan is of true friendship. They were honest and sincere to one another and were able to share their true feelings. Their friendship is authentic, not distant, not flaky, and not unreliable. True friendship is rare these days. Friends can come to our lives in many shapes and forms and from various walks of life but true friends will stand the tests of time. They will be with you at your highs and at your lows while faked friends will find ways not to stay around you, especially when your life turns to the worse.
True friends show unconditional love, unwavering support, wilingness to challenge, and full of grace. They accept everything about you, including your flaws and imperfections. They stick with you through both the good and bad times.They want to hear your successes, are happy for your successes, and celebrate your successes. They feel totally comfortable around you and know things about you that many others don’t. They don’t expect you to always be the one to reach out to them. They make you feel happier and more alive, not drained and stressed. They tell you the truth about things, even if you may not want to hear it. They don’t blow things out of proportion when you make a mistake – they forgive you. They don’t talk about you behind your back. They allow you to have other friendships without getting jealous and possessive. You have so many inside jokes and funny memories with them that you’ve lost count.
What are characteristics of true friendship? For more readings on true friendship, please read articles below.
4 Characteristics of a True Friendship – Ron Edmondson
https://www.biblestudytools.com/blogs/ron-edmondson/4-characteristics-of-a-true-friendship.html
11 Signs of A True Friendship
https://www.powerofpositivity.com/11-ways-to-spot-an-authentic-friendship/amp/
True and loyal friends do not need public approval, or walk away because of your unfair criticism. They love you unconditionally and they feel comfortable to tell you so. They are not discouraged when you are distant to them. They come to help and with unwavering support for you, not for their personal gain. They understand, value and accept who you are as a person, at your highs as well as lows. They are not bystanders. True friends are loyal to you to the end of your life despite their or your circumstances, and are the ones you can count on for every turn.
The story of Jonathan and David tells us what true friends are like. True friendship is authentic. If you find true friends, nurture the relationship. It is rare to find true and loyal friends these days.
Displayed love, loyalty, and emotional openness are three essential traits that psychologists deem necessary for friendships to thrive.
These essential traits were found in Jonathan and David’s friendship. Read more at,
http://www.beliefnet.com/faiths/christianity/5-greatest-friendships-of-the-bible.aspx?p=2
“True friends have nothing to do with who stays with you the longest but who stays with you when others walk away or look to the other way.”~ Phuong Le Callaway