Christian Friendship - learning from Jonathan and David - Pr Richard Seow

𝐆𝐨𝐝’𝐬 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧 𝐢𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐮𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐟𝐚𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐮𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐣𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐟𝐚𝐢𝐭𝐡.

What are some lessons we can learn about God-centred friendships as we look at the example of David and Jonathan? Their friendship was built on their common faith in God. They both loved Jehovah and trusted in Him; that formed the basis of the friendship.

We see mutual love as a central feature of this friendship. Jonathan risked everything to save David, and we also know that David later rescued Jonathan when he was captured by the Philistines. These were friends who cared for each other and were prepared to risk their lives for each other’s sake.

Constancy is another important aspect of Christian friendship. Jonathan and David stuck together through very tough times. True friends are also truthful and honest. We need friends who will speak the truth and tell us when we have erred. There is a place for us to disagree, to challenge each other’s views, and to learn through discussion what is in line with God’s wisdom.

Lastly, Christian friends encourage us in our faith journey. We all need friends. Jesus is our best Friend, the only Friend who is ever dependable and never fails. But it is also part of God’s design for us to have friends in the community of faith—friends who can share our love for God and our commitment to honour Him and serve Him well; friends who can encourage us, laugh with us, cry with us, stand with us in difficult times, and strengthen us in our journey of faith.