The Value of Friendships
David and Jonathan's Enduring Friendship—that Included Protecting Each Other and Caring for Each Other's Families
The story of David and Jonathan is one of great friendship. Jonathan went to great lengths to protect David from his father Saul, and David looked after Jonathan's children long after he died.
Great friends do these kinds of things for each other.
... there was an immediate bond of love between them. Jonathan swore to be his (David's) blood brother and sealed the pact by giving him his robe, sword, bow, and belt.—1 Samuel 18:1,3,4
… And Saul's son Jonathan went to David at Horesh and helped him find strength in God. "Don't be afraid,' he said … The two of them made a covenant before the Lord. Then Jonathan went home, but David remained at Horesh.—1 Samuel 23:16, 18
… Jonathan had David reaffirm his oath out of love for him because he loved him as he loved himself … Jonathan said to David, Go in peace, for we have sworn friendship with each other in the name of the Lord, saying, The Lord is witness between you and me and between your descendants and my descendants forever … At last, Jonathan said to David, Cheer up, for we have entrusted each other and each other's children into God's hands forever. So they parted, David leaving and Jonathan returning to the city.—1 Samuel 20:17-42
Abishai, another Friend of David, Encouraged and Rescued David from Dangers and Death
Once, when the Philistines were at war with Israel, and David and his men were in the thick of the battle, David became weak and exhausted. Ishbi-benob, a giant whose spear tip weighed more than twelve pounds and who was sporting a new suit of armor, closed in on David and was about to kill him. But Abishai, the son of Zeruiah, came to his rescue and killed the Philistine.— 2 Samuel 21:15-17
Takeaways to Remember and Practice:
Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.—Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
… let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.—Hebrews 10:24,25
Quotes to Ponder
Expect anything. Make it glorify God!—Bob Johnson
Every victory counts!— Davis Phinney, world-class bicyclist & Founder of the Davis Phinney Foundation— for Parkinson's Disease
Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as you ever can.—John Wesley
The God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.—2 Corinthians 1:3,4
It's not whether you get knocked down. It's about whether you get up!—NFL Coach Vince Lombardi
Always remember that YOU matter, are important, are loved, and bring to this world things no one else can.—Charlie Mackesy