Thomas Fuller once said, “If you have one true friend, you have more than your share.” Others have said, “If you have one true friend, you’re blessed.” The sentiment reveals the challenges involved with finding a true friend. Who’s that one who will stick closer than a brother? Who will help carry the load? When it’s real, no one can break the bond between the two. Do you have a partner in crime?
The Story: 1 Samuel 20
In 1 Samuel 20, David had a partner, a true friend. Unfortunately, David found himself on the run from Saul. He asked his true friend, Jonathan, about what did he do to Saul. As the son of Saul, Jonathan didn’t believe David did anything because Saul hadn’t told him anything. However, David knew otherwise. David explained that Saul kept his plans from Jonathan because of his relationship with David.
As a result, Jonathan and David devised a plan to determine the heart of Saul toward David. This secret between the two would enable Jonathan to find the best way to help David. Before they implemented the plan, they made a covenant between the two of them where Jonathan would find the truth about Saul to protect David, and David would always show lovingkindness to the house of Jonathan.
With the covenant in place, Jonathan set out to discover the truth of his father’s heart. Jonathan learned the stark truth that Saul wanted to kill David. As a result, Jonathan gave the news to David. He honored Jonathan for his honesty and they wept together before David departed.
The Lesson
What a true friendship between the two. The Bible affirms the importance of a friend. Proverbs 18:24 tells us that a true friend sticks closer than a brother while an unreliable one will bring you to ruin. According to Proverbs 17:17, “A friend loves at all times, but a brother is born for a time of adversity.”
Thankfully, we already have one friend, Jesus. He made known to us the secrets of His father (John 15:15). When we didn’t love Him, He loved and died for us (Romans 5:8). If we’re in distress, we can find rest in Him (Matthew 11:28). He desires us to have this same type of relationship with others (John 15:12-13).
Between the two, Jesus and Jonathan, we learn what friendship is.
- Love for one another. Love is the foundation of any real relationship. 1 Corinthians 13:4-13 teaches true love. With love, we can overcome and endure together.
- Reciprocate the relationship. True friendship requires give and take. All on one is one-sided and unstable, which doesn’t a friendship make. We’re in it together or not at all.
- Bear each other’s burden. Friendship isn’t competition, but support. We encourage each other and alternate on who’s in the spotlight. There’s enough light for both of us.
If one of these is missing, time to re-evaluate what’s really between the two.
